Chris Pye: Woodcarving
Recommended Books

Woodcarving: The Beginner's Guide
By William Wheeler, Charles H. Hayward

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This was the first book on woodcarving that I ever bought - published as 'Practical Woodcarving and Gilding' in 1963 - and it still remains one of my favourites.
I am looking now at my original copy - of which the available, illustrated, edition seems to be a straight reprint. It is beginning to look a little dated, but what's in it is still as good as you'll get for many years to come.

Woodcarving: The Beginner's Guide is exactly that - an all rounder covering a broad range of topics; a taster which leaves the desire for more. This sort of book, by its nature must cover topics to a limited depth, but the quality of the information here is very high.

Topics include the usual tools and equipment, sharpening and handling then chapters of projects introducing many of the standard carvers' repertoire: relief carving, mouldings, linenfold, gothic tracery, lettering and more. There are also useful chapters on drawing and a timbers, as well as a whole section on gilding (gold leaf). A rich book, served very simply.

I will forever be grateful for the clarity of writing of Charles Hayward (who wrote many other standard books on furniture and wood-related crafts) and the example of good woodcarving practice from William Wheeler (who taught woodcarving at the City & Guilds of London Art School).

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