Contour Boxes are made using a very specific form of map data and a machine that carves from it to extremely high accuracy. The box is then created and finished by hand.

All the oak I use comes from sustainable, well managed sources within either the UK or mainland Europe.

From the point of purchase to completion is normally 4-6 weeks depending how busy we are.
Please allow time for postage: - UK - 2 working days, worldwide 3-5 working days
Shorter lead times can sometimes be arranged so please do ask.

The scale of your Contour Box is always arbitrary. It will be the product of your required area and the height that exists in reality. I do sometimes exaggerate height to help landscapes really sing, but not to the point where hills become cliffs. I will always flag any concerns about this.

Very. The landscapes are carved from real map data.

No not at all.
For each box I will give you access to a special map on which to place pins. These will give me the coordinates for any location you would like me to include.

Yes.
Using specialist knowledge and experience my primary aim is to capture the character of your chosen place in the first attempt.
However this can be altered in area, scale or aspect. You can even change your mind entirely about your chosen piece of the world.
Whilst I provide mock-ups free of charge I would kindly ask that all enquiries are of a serious nature.

The disc at the bottom right of each Contour Box is my signature - a monogram of TA - stamped into a solid silver disc. This is embedded once your box is finished and meets my high standards for quality.

It’s ALWAYS worth having a conversation first during which I can use prior knowledge or have a quick look at maps.
If an area is just flat but has some features such as rivers or coastline a gilded box or gilded features can work brilliantly to show that subtle detail.

I can do large areas of some cities. As you can appreciate, tall buildings carved in wood can be very fragile. By zooming out the buildings become lower and the result works well. I would recommend a gilded finish for these boxes.

I try to reply with a mock-up within 2 working days. Please let me know if your mock-up is urgent.

Duties and taxes may apply to shipments outside the UK, the customer will be responsible for these charges. 'Contour Boxes by Tom Aylwin' has no control over these fees, and cannot provide guidance on the specific costs, as they differ from country to country. For more details, please reach out to your local customs office. Please be aware that Contour Boxes by Tom Aylwin is unable to reimburse you for any duties and taxes paid upon the delivery of your order.