Coat of Arms for private client
In January 2023 I was approached by an agent asking me if I was prepared to carve a coat of arms in stone for the residence of a private client and, at this juncture, I said that I didn’t feel that I had the appropriate skills in stone carving but I knew skilled crafts people who could and I gave the names.
Then there was a month or so of quiet in which time I forgot about it but then the agent got back to me asking if I would be prepared to carve a coat of arms in wood to which I replied yes – little realising that in the end I would carve four of them over the next three years. All of them are different, all designed by a graphic designer and all of them with very particular measurements.
The initial problem was the thickness of the wood which was to be a 100mm which most wood is not. Still, I found a wonderful woodyard which was recommended by a neighbour, a furniture maker himself. It was expensive but was well worth it.
So, over the next three years I have carved four separate coats of arms for various sites within the residence.
I owe many thanks to all the people who have been so supportive and helpful especially the local building yard for all the machining of the oak, to the agent and the client himself.
COMMISSIONS
I think of the commissions as my surrogate children as they are, very much, a joint venture between the client and myself. I want the client to have some general idea of the style of carving they prefer and even some purpose and location for it. In the case of the two carved beams – the Tulip panel and the carved beam in a modern home – both had a practical reason for their existence and this was an excellent starting point.
I undertake many letter carving commissions and here are some examples of the differing styles where I have used raised letters – Mortimers’s Restaurant sign and the Hospice panel – or incised letters – the Way markers of Guildford Borough Council and the temporary Cross in a local Churchyard.
As each lettering commission is different it is difficult to give a hard and fast rule as to the cost but incised lettering starts at £23 per letter and this includes the wood/fixture and finishing. If you are interested in discussing any work with me, please, get in touch through the contact form.
Work to be collected from my Suffolk studio or can be posted (p&p charges apply).
