Intricate, painstaking, sturdy yet incredibly delicate...scrimshaw has been a beautiful tradition on the sea and at the sea-side for centuries. Far from the comforts (and distractions) of land, whalers from America, England, Australia, and Portugal could spend the long hours of attention necessary to perfect the scrimshander's art. They forgot their loneliness and discomfort as the crafted pieces like those shown in over 400 vivid color photographs in this new, fascinating book. Martha Lawrence's research covers every facet of the art of scrimshaw, from its origins on whaling ships, to the daily life of the sailor/scrimshander, to the materials, themes, and tools used for creating these objects. She also discusses modern scrimshaw artists. Today's collector will find her chapters on collecting scrimshaw work especially helpful, particularly when used in conjunction with the thorough price guide.

This dramatic period in American history comes to life in the carvings of Tom Wolfe. Union and Confederate soldiers are featured with step-by-step illustrated instructions for carving. One figure is carved all the way through, and patterns are provided for others.

In this wonderful folk carving book, Shane Campbell takes you step-by-step through the process of carving two attractive wooden figures. The first is an articulated angel named Ruby and the second is a whirligig figure named Angelene. Project patterns and over 260 color photographs accompany the straightforward directions. Shane also provides instructions for both painting folk figures and for aging them using a method that is delightfully simple and effective. A color gallery rounds out the book and provides examples of additional folk figures sure to provide every reader with new ideas. This book has something to offer everyone from the beginner to the most advanced wood carver.

Scenic relief carving is the art of bringing life and depth to a carving that is essentially two dimensional. In the traditional carving of Germany this is an exquisite and beautiful technique, and now Georg Keilhofer, a master woodcarver, shares it with his readers and students. Step-by-step he takes the reader through the carving of a plaque depicting a deer running through the forest. The difficulties and challenges of relief carving and techniques for handling them are explained. Everything is illustrated with full color photographs. This is Georg's second book. His first, Basic Relief Carving, has met with critical and popular success. This new book will take the reader further into the art of traditional wood-carving.

Donna Hefty's folk carved nativity is so special it will delight the collector and be a real treasure to hand down from generation to generation. Adults and children alike will find it charming. Donna makes carving approachable and simple for all ages. Not only are there eleven highly defined patterns, but Donna will take you step-by-step through the process of both carving and painting. Each step is illustrated with a color photograph and an easy-to-follow description of the technique. A gallery shows the finished figures. The result is a wonderful project for carvers of all skill levels.

An exhibition catalogue of an installation by Andy Goldsworthy at the Margaret Harvey Gallery, St Albans.

The carving of religious figures is a tradition that is thousands of years old. In earlier books Helen Gibson has shared her techniques for carving the nativity and the figure of St. Francis of Asissi. Now she turns her attention to one of the most dramatic figures in religious history: Moses. This strong, authoritative figure lends itself wonderfully to carving. Helen's friend, Harold Enlow, drew the pattern and Helen leads the reader step-by-step through the carving process. Each step is illustrated with a color photograph. The result is a rewarding carving experience and a great deal of enjoyment.

Few decorative crafts can claim to be more ancient than stone carving, with the earliest carved objects being dated well into prehistory. The greatest monuments to human civilization, from the temples of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to the great cathedrals of Medieval Europe, are richly ornamented with decorative relief and sculpture carved in stone. Alan Micklethwaite, a stone carver with many years' experience in the conservation of historic monuments and sculpture, introduces the reader to the techniques and methodology of restoration stone carving, from simple relief to complex sculpture in the round, set against a sound conservation philosophy. The book provides a thorough understanding of stone as a material and describes its use in sculpture and the agents of its decay, as well as the method by which disfigured carvings can be forensically reconstructed, resulting in the re-emergence of beautifully carved historic architectural sculpture. The book is intended as a detailed introduction to restoration stone carving, and is aimed at those who are learning to carve stone or have an interest in pursuing a career in the conservation of stone sculpture and ancient monuments. While having a depth of detail which will allow it to serve as a reference manual for the professional, it will also inspire the beginner and fuel the interest of those who harbour a desire to pursue traditional crafts.

From the ancient Chinese to St. George to Dungeons and Dragons, these mythical beasts have had a place in the human imagination. Now, with his own imagination running rampant, Tom Wolfe turns his artistry to the dragon. As always, he brings creativity and skill to the task, along with a desire to share the joy of carving with his readers. All steps to carving a dragon are illustrated in color photographs, with concise descriptions of what to do and what effects you are trying to achieve. In addition there is a gallery with patterns and photographs of three other dragons that can be carved using the same techniques. These are dramatic carvings that will challenge the carver and delight those who see the final product. Tom uses both traditional hand carving tools and rotary tools to get the effects that make these dragons so realistic. The carver will find the insights into the techniques for using all these tools quite instructive.

Accomplished carver and teacher Cleve Taylor takes to the hills, carving mountain men of years gone by. With clear, concise instructions-illustrated with over 225 color photographs, Cleve guides wood carvers through every step and tool needed to make these popular figures from the past. Once the basswood figure is carved, instructions are also provided to paint and antique the completed figure. Patterns are included with the instructions to carve both the mountain man and his long rifle. The mountain man presented here is a challenge for the carver with a course or two under the belt and a delight for the more advanced wood carver.

Among the most popular of Tom Wolfe's carving books is Tom Wolfe Carves Dragons. From the day it came off the presses Tom has received letters asking for a Wizard book to go with it. What good is a dragon without a Wizard? one reader asked. Well, here it is! These fanciful figures let the imagination run wild. You can make them friendly or sinister, young or old, comic or deadly serious. Tom gives patterns and step-by-step instructions illustrated in full color. The gallery has a coven of Wizards, in both full-figure and bust forms. But that is only the starting point. From there a change in costume, setting, or facial feature can lead to an infinite variety of figures. As a companion piece or by itself, this is an exciting new project for carvers. Enjoy.

Nationally known carver Bob Lundy shares the techniques of relief carving in an easy to follow book. Amply illustrated, it takes the reader step-by-step through two carving projects and offers the information needed to carry out even more. With everything carved by hand, the book is written for both the beginner and for the veteran. Bob Lundy approaches his work with an eye for the personality of the carving. He will instill that sensitivity to the reader, giving the carver a feeling of closeness and intimacy with the figures that come to life from the wood.

Learn to create delightful wooden Santas destined to be treasured family heirlooms. With a combination of over 280 color photographs, a minimal set of carving tools, and easily followed instructions, Paul Bolinger carefully guides the reader step-by-step through rough and detail carving techniques. Camille Bolinger, Paul's wife, demonstrates the oil painting techniques used to bring the carved Santas to life. The text is followed by a gallery of the Bolingers' heirloom Santas destined to fire the imagination of every carver who sees them. Novices and old hands alike will enjoy this book.

Cleve Taylor takes to the road, steering readers effortlessly through every step needed to carve an impressive and humorous caricature of a motorcyclist and his bike. Over 225 color photographs illustrate Cleve's clear, concise instructions. When this basswood figure and his bike are complete, instructions are also provided for painting and aging. Patterns are provided for both the figure and the bike. The gallery photos at the back of the book feature additional biker figures by both Cleve Taylor and some of his carving students. For additional inspiration, three color illustrations by caricature artist Bruce Day round out the presentation. This book is sure to be inspiring for beginning carvers and a real pleasure for experienced carvers.

Once again, Dick Sing makes his mark with his high quality, beautiful pens and pencils. Sharing his skill and expertise at the wood lathe, he teaches you how to make something more than a mere instrument for writing-this is art, a keepsake, a great gift, something to make the turner proud. In his first book on pen turning, Sing provided basic instructions and lots of helpful tips. This book also provides the basics, adding new kinds of pens and variations on some of the old favorites. Tips are given for ways to work with challenging materials or grain alignments to create spectacular results. Dick details methods which make beautiful pens time after time. More than 260 photographs and detailed instructions advise the turner on more than a dozen variations, plus there are sections on the special equipment he has modified to make pen turning easier and improve the quality. A gallery of pens provides inspiration for variety and creativity.

Four hundred stunning color pictures of world-class carvings accompany an authoritative series of interviews with the world's finest wood sculptors. An indispensable addition to the libraries of novice and expert carvers; certain to become a collector's item.

This is a beginner's guide from the world's most renowned chip carver! Wayne Barton - author of "Chip Carving and Art of Chip Carving" - presents what is unquestionably the finest guidance ever for the novice. He has been the driving force behind the craft's resurgence and his technical knowledge, design skills and ability to instruct remain unequalled. One by one, with the aid of colour photographs, he covers tools and materials, the best woods, holding and sharpening chip carving knives and laying out and transferring patterns. Borders, grids, rosettes, free-form design, positive image design and lettering all receive separate, in-depth chapters, as does Barton's special, time-tested hints.

Originally published during the early part of the twentieth century, the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were designed to provide concise introductions to a broad range of topics. They were written by experts for the general reader and combined a comprehensive approach to knowledge with an emphasis on accessibility. Brasses by J. S. M. Ward was first published in 1912. The book contains an engaging guide to monumental brasses, with information on historical classification and numerous illustrative figures.

This is the twentieth volume in the Public Sculpture of Britain series, the ambitious collaboration between Liverpool University Press and the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association that will eventually document the outdoor sculptural heritage of the whole of the UK. Public sculpture is defined in this context as any work of three-dimensional art located in an unregulated public space, typically consisting of free-standing commemorative monuments, architectural carvings and statues attached to buildings, and contemporary site-specific interventions. A subject that was until recently overlooked as a matter of marginal relevance to the history of art, public sculpture has been shown through the Liverpool University Press series to offer a range of important insights into the built environment, enriching our understanding of architecture and city planning, and raising many challenging issues relating to the development of society as a whole. This is nowhere better illustrated than in Edinburgh, where the richness of its history as a capital city, and the dramatic power of its urban topography, have combined to create a uniquely fertile breeding ground for public sculpture of every kind. With the coverage divided between two companion volumes, the study begins appropriately with the historic Old Town, and the various suburbs extending from it to the south.

Master Carver Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) is famous for his breathtakingly delicate, intricate and realistic carvings, both in wood and stone. Tantalising cascades of fruit and flowers, puffy-cheeked cherubs, crowds of figures and flourishes of architecture are all trademark features of his energetic, animated carvings that grace stately homes, palaces, churches and colleges across the country. His work can be found in some of Britain's most beloved buildings, including St Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. From his early work in the Low Countries to his 'discovery' by the diarist John Evelyn in London, and his appointment as the king's Master Carver, this book celebrates Grinling Gibbons' unequalled talent, his visionary genius, and his ability to transform humble pieces of wood into some of the most exquisite artworks of his day.

Internationally known carver Pete LeClair turns his attention to the caricature bust. This classic form lends itself to wonderful interpretations, but is also a great way to learn more about caricature carving. Pete shares a great number of techniques and secrets in this volume, paying attention, as always, to the minute details that make the difference between a good carving and a great carving. Every step is illustrated with a color photograph and a clear explanation. Patterns and a gallery, showing all sides of the works, are included to help the carver even more. For those who know Pete's previous works, this will be a welcomed addition to their libraries. For those who do not it is an opportunity to learn the joys and intricacies of caricature carving from one of the best.

The artistic genius of Athens in the fifth century BC reached its peak in the sculpted marble reliefs of the Parthenon frieze. Designed by Phidias and carved by a team of anonymous masons, the frieze adorned the temple of Athena on the Acropolis and represents a festival procession in honour of the Olympian gods. Its original composition and precise meaning, however, have long been the subject of lively debate. Most of what survives of the frieze is now in the British Museum or the Acropolis Museum in Athens; the rest is scattered among a number of European collections. This book reconstructs the frieze in its entirety according to the most up-to-date research, with a detailed scene-by-scene commentary, and the superb quality of the carving is vividly shown in a series of close-up photographs. In his introduction Ian Jenkins places the frieze in its architectural, historical and artistic setting. He discusses the various interpretations suggested by previous scholars, and finally puts forward a view of his own.

These enchanting chess pieces consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales' teeth in the form of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns in the shape of obelisks. They were found in the vicinity of Uig on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, in mysterious circumstances some time before 11th April 1831. Various stories have evolved to explain why they were concealed there, and how they were discovered. This book takes a lively look at the many theories surrounding the ownership of the pieces, why they were hidden and how exactly they were discovered, and places them in the wider context of the ancient game of chess and secular culture of the Middle Ages.

An" Economist" Book of the Year

Costa Book Award Winner for Biography

Galaxy National Book Award Winner (New Writer of the Year Award)

Edmund de Waal is a world-famous ceramicist. Having spent thirty years making beautiful pots--which are then sold, collected, and handed on--he has a particular sense of the secret lives of objects. When he inherited a collection of 264 tiny Japanese wood and ivory carvings, called netsuke, he wanted to know who had touched and held them, and how the collection had managed to survive.

And so begins this extraordinarily moving memoir and detective story as de Waal discovers both the story of the netsuke and of his family, the Ephrussis, over five generations. A nineteenth-century banking dynasty in Paris and Vienna, the Ephrussis were as rich and respected as the Rothchilds. Yet by the end of the World War II, when the netsuke were hidden from the Nazis in Vienna, this collection of very small carvings was all that remained of their vast empire.

Detailed instructions, illustrations for carving animals, flowers, figures, more. Tips on tools, techniques, painting, finishing, exhibiting.