Wood Sculpting Masterclass

What a great opportunity to be involved in the creation of something unique! JAPS Parents’ Association have commissioned Arts Express to create and install a bespoke rotunda bench from coppiced sweet chestnut, decorated with carved motifs, inspired by the girls’ designs, to represent each of the four Houses (Normans, Saxons, Vikings and Romans).

Year 6 pupils have been busy at work in their lesson with wood sculptor Tim Norris and his assistant Tyrone, translating their individual themed designs into carvings. With safety goggles in place, v-chisels and mallets firmly gripped, their ideas for each of the 4 Houses began to emerge from the blocks of wood. Tim uses coppiced green oak so that he is not harming the woodland, and the girls can appreciate the fine subtleties of its markings.

In 6P, Holly’s splendid fire-breathing dragon was almost finished. ‘It was so much fun!’ she said. Georgina was enjoying making her shield for Romans. She hadn’t experienced holding one on Roman day because she was a goddess, naturally! Lydia’s Saxon serpent reminded her of a tree she knows with a branch encircling the trunk. There were owls, castles and shields and an excellent helmet by Rachel the Roman, who relished carving - much more fun than the design, she thought.

Wood sculpting was proving to be a steep-learning curve for them all, especially those whose designs needed simplification to work. It was hard keeping the depth of the background consistent. Possibly Anna had the biggest challenge with the perspective of her Normandy cow’s face (for Normans, of course!) so that it fitted on the block. We can’t wait to see the 4 designs Tim comes up with. 

For more photos please see the Gallery.