Today I worked on an 18th century mahogany chair – it is thought to be of Irish origin, and has a traditional carved acanthus leaf on the knee of a cabriole leg. There was a missing area that needed to be re-carved to match the existing style of the acanthus leaf.
I also had a job to carve 2 star-burst designs on a built-in cabinet. These designs are often seen in fireplace surrounds here in the Lowcountry. This was carved in poplar.
Much of the work I do is to embellish new furniture for new homes. When I first moved to Charleston, I had expected to get much of my work in the downtown historical homes that were being renovated. Surprisingly, though, that did not happen. It turns out that a lot of the decorative work on the historical homes are plaster work – fireplace surrounds, friezes, ceiling medallions, etc. Most of my work comes from either antique furniture restoration or new furniture or new architectural details. Wherever it comes, I love to carve, and I love the challenge of it all.
Great work, its like it has always been a part of the chair.
Mary,
Thank you for starting the blog. I admired the help that you gave to that old Irish (surprising) chair. To my untrained eye, it looks to be from Philladelphia or Engand. I owe most of my develpoing carving skills to you, and will send separately a picture of my slow-moving project.
Will be following your blog often – good idea!
Ed, I was surprised when my client said it was Irish also. I am not familiar with Irish carving, (as it appears that English/Irish designs were very similar at that time), but certainly also appears to be like a lot of the other early American Chippendale style acanthus designs. Maybe some of the early pieces of furniture we think are English are really Irish???