Wood & Stone Bronze Sculpture

Born in Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland James was awarded with the Grinling Gibbons Scholarship at the City and Guilds of London Art School in 2001 and successfully completed his 3 year diploma (Degree Equivalent) in Historical Wood Carving in 2004. The City and Guilds is one of the last remaining schools that teach Sculpture in a traditional way. This disciplined way of training was used through-out the ages, up until the 21st century until most Art Colleges disregarded this way of teaching towards a more modern way of teaching.

After completing college James gained his work experience from Carvers and Gilders of London where he specialized in 16th, 17th & 18th Century style carved furniture. This was a fantastic grounding to the work ethics of professional woodcarving. Learning from the Master Carver “Christine Palmer” who has over 40 years experience and is regarded as one of the top carvers in Britan today.

Carvers and Gilders has worked and advised on many large restoration projects. These include furniture belonging to the Royal Collection at Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Osborne House and the Queens’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace to name just a few.