Bespoke Carving
Statuary – Figurative – Abstract – Classical – Medieval – Baroque – Rococo – Neo-Classical
Whether the commission is large or small, we work to produce a high standard of carving that reflects our pride in our work. We carve in both stone and wood, and are comfortable working in a broad spectrum of styles from classical to modern. We work in tandem with architects and designers to realise large projects, as well as personal work for individual clients.
Stone and wood carving differ in material, but share a common ancestry in terms of ornamental style. Wood is naturally lighter and less brittle, offering opportunity for increased undercutting and delicacy. Stone is heavier and offers the qualities of durability, translucency and remarkable patterning, depending on the stone. As a general rule of thumb stone, being inorganic, will tend to have greater longevity than wood, though both materials ought to long outlive the carver if well cared for.
We offer our services in producing statuary, architectural, figurative, abstract and ornamental carving. We can advise on which type of material or species is most suitable for the project, refine designs, and produce work to any scale.
A typical project begins with a discussion of brief and budget. When both are agreed, we produce sketches, working toward a finished drawing which is agreed and signed off before beginning the next stage. If the project is simple or in low relief then carving may begin with only the drawing for reference, but for more complex carving a model is often produced. This allows the client to see a scale rendition of the finished piece and for any final changes to be made before it’s executed in stone or wood. Measurements are then taken from the model and transcribed into the carving to ensure accuracy, without losing the sculpture’s flair and life to mechanical copying. The final surface is always created with full focus on the carving, refining the final form in stone or wood.
We use traditional tools to undertake the bulk of the work, without sacrificing the advances made in modern machinery.
Our carvings are made by hand, take time to produce, and are intended to last for centuries.