Where is the historical appreciation for wood turning? I dare say there
is none. There has been no golden era of wood turning. Kings and the
well-to-do have never sought out a turned wood item to possess as a
valuable and status indicative item.

Not true. 19th century ornamental wood turning was not only considered
high-craft, but was one of the few crafts performed by members of royalty,
not peasants, guild members, or artisans.
http://www.the-sot.com/index.shtml

Turned wood was and remains largely
relegated to utilitarian, consumable, disposable pieces of every day
use.

I think you exagerate. There are many wood pieces that are fanciful,
permanent, and not used daily. However, there is a grain of truth in what
you say. Wood is an organic material and doesn't last as long as stone,
glass, or metal. It's not the wood's fault, but the craft person's. After
all, THEY made the decision to work with a semi-permanent material.


Dan