British Wood Carvers

England is a land rich in cultural history, so it is no surprise that there are renown artists found throughout England's historical timeline. England has produced, and continues to produce, some fantastic wood sculptors. Many of these English sculptors create original works. They also work hard to restore famous buildings, statues, and ornate works of England's past.

Ian G. Brennan

Ian G. Brennan, who works in Southern England, is one of the most important English sculptors living today. He is world renown for his ability to sculpt wood and making use of the art of bronze casting. Ian's incredible artistic ability premiered in 1984 and at an exhibit hosted by an art gallery in Mayfair, London.

His realistic wood carvings are highly sought after. He has created works for British and European Royalty, as well as for countless Nobility, Heads of State, and British Prime Ministers. His realistic sculptures can be seen in Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul's Cathedral. Brennan creates sculptures of various subject matters including crests, unicorns, griffins, and wildlife.

In 1989, Ian Brennan was honored with the appointments "Sculptor to the Most Noble Order of the Garter," and "Honourable Order of the Bath."

Charles Oldham

Charles Oldham is another contemporary English Sculptor. In 1990, Oldham was nominated into the Master Carver's Association. Charles Oldham helped with the efforts to restore areas of Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the Spenser House. One of his most well known works was created for the National Trust. This work was a life sized sculpture of a carriage pulled by a pony. It can be seen at the museum at Arlington Court in Devon.

Henry Moore

Henry Moore is well known for his devotion to postwar humanism following World War II, and for his desire to create large-scale public sculptures. However, Moore was also active in the modernist movement, and surrealist movement. His most recognized wooden sculpture is entitled "The Leaning Man."

Moore was recognized as one of Great Britain's best sculptors during the 1920s. During his lifetime he was allowed to present his own exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, and was awarded the International Prize at the Venice Biennale. Moore worked extensively with the British Council to place large-scale sculptures across the nation and West.

Grinling Gibbons

Grinling Gibbons served as the Master Carver of Charles the II. Gibbons lived during the 17^th century. While he was relatively unknown before his accidental discovery, Charles the II quickly became a big fan of his work. Gibbons' carving "The Crucifix of Tintoret," was his first sculpted piece to appear at the royal court. Charles the II was enthralled with Gibbons' work; however, the queen was not completely overtaken with Gibbons ability. Even so, Gibbons was employed by King Charles II in 1671.

During Grinling Gibbons' lifespan he was also employed by Charles Wren. He produced several works for St. Paul's Cathedral and several other London area churches. Gibbons is well known for his carving of choir stalls, the bishop's throne, mirrors and furniture.

References:

Grinling Gibbons; Master Wood Carver

Henry Moore; Sculptor

Henry Moore; National Gallery of Art

Ian G. Brennan; Wood Carver to the British Royal Household

Ian G. Brennan, Sculptor to the British Royal Household

Master Carving Association; Charles Oldham

Old Deptford History; Door brackets by Charles Oldham