Chris Pye: Woodcarving
Recommended Books

Grinling Gibbons and the Art of Carving
By David Esterly

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The 17th Century carver Grinling Gibbons needs no introduction.
His work adorns the interiors of Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, Badminton, Burghley and Petworth and is renowned for it's unparalleled skill in foliage and wildlife carving.

David Esterly is an outstanding carver and was involved in the restoration of Gibbons' carvings after the awful fire at Hampton Court Palace in 1986.

He was also the curator of an exhibition by the same title as this book at the Victoria & Albert Museum from October 1998 to January 1999 - the first ever of Gibbons' masterpieces.
Because of concurrent restoration projects such a show became uniquely possible - which means unrepeatable. Any woodcarver who saw this exhibition counted themselves blessed.
It was a complete joy, - we got to see the work close up, from the side, analysed - if we were impressed before, we were speachless for a long while afterwards.

It is Esterley's background as a scholar, coupled with his skill as a woodcarver and his unique experience of reproducing and restoring Gibbons' work, that has enabled him to produce this book. A study and rejoicing in Gibbons' life and work this is the companion book to the exhibition. And we see Gibbons in greater depth, with greater understanding, than ever before.
There are other books on Gibbons, but this is THE one for us woodcarvers interested in this genius: the discussions of tools, workshop practices, materials and finishing - along with an intriguing answer to the question 'were they sanded' are fascinating.

It isn't the exhibition but a wonderful substitute. Get a magnifying glass and enjoy!

Do you want to add anything (praise or criticism) to what I've said about this book? You can!
Use the form here in the Connect pages to add your thoughts to mine, and have them included here.

“Excellent photographs and scholarly text make this a class publication that does the publishers, Victoria and Albert Museum, proud!
Early chapters give a fascinating insight into the business of woodcarving and the talented personalities of the late 17th century.

For me, however, the middle chapters drag on a bit, and the final chapter "Making a Gibbons' Carving" was more of an emotional confession than a helpful guide!

This book is a real collectors' piece and made a fine gift - but hardly essential reading for today's woodcarver. The book contains really super pictures.”