My Projects
Wood carving
Wood carving the originals for the silicone moulds to be taken, in which the jesmonite is poured. When cured, the above pieces were finished all/in part in gold leaf, distressed and antique patinated.
Previous upcycling projects and chess set designs
Stylised/minimalist chess pieces carved in wood and painted in readiness to have moulds taken.
Restoration
Antique picture frames in the very early stages of restoration.
Missing elements on the frame in the above photo are being replaced with red clay. Often, a new replacement ornament would be wood carved as this produces a sharper finish and is more likely to stand the test of time. For low relief ornament such as on the frame in the left hand photo, compo/composition is used. This alternative technique came about in the late 1700's and became especially popular (and the preferred choice of Turner and Constable) in the 19th century. It was cheaper and quicker than any other method of ornament making. Compo is a mixture of organic materials mixed to a dough-like consistency, pressed into a boxwood mould and stuck onto the frame which when hardened could eventually be gilt.
This is one example of a Victorian boxwood mould expertly carved in reverse! Sadly the few moulds that remain available are incredibly expensive to buy. The acanthus leaf (as seen in the 4 corners of the above frame) was a popular ornament in traditional framing.
A lot missing on this one! Possibly an English centre and corner running pattern frame circa late 19th century. It looks like much, if not all the ornament is made of compo with some earlier gilt cross hatching pattern previously hidden underneath a layer of bronze paint.
Wood carving for a restoration project within a private chapel in Wiltshire.
