Woodcarving: A Practical Handbook for Woodworkers

Originally published in the 1920s, this book gives practical help to the practical man. By 'practical' is not meant merely the student of woodcarving, but rather the woodworker who wishes to combine art-carving with constructional work. A panel or other carved form is nothing in itself. It only becomes something real when it is a part of some larger woodwork structure that is, an ornamental feature of some piece of constructional woodwork or of a useful article of furniture.

Five chapters of the book are dealing specifically with the application of carving to furniture. In the subsequent chapters, however, the blending of art-handwork and construction is kept in view, and the treatment of natural forms, of grotesques and figure subjects, has all a direct bearing on the general aim.

231 illustrations have been specially drawn to elucidate the text. The comprehensive Index will be found useful for reference to details.

Contents Covered:

• Foreword
• Carving Gothic Forms
• Borders (Gothic)
• Carving the Gothic Trefoil
• How to Carve the Acanthus Leaf
• Another Form of Leaf
• A Carved Frame
• The Decoration of Picture and Mirror Frames
• Carving a Heraldic Shield
• Application of Carving to Furniture (1) Elizabethan Oak Chest
• Application of Carving to Furniture (2) Ornament for a Pediment
• Application of Carving to Furniture (3) Design for a Cabinet Door
• Application of Carving to Furniture (4) Gothic Tracery
• Application of Carving to Furniture (5) The Carved Cabriole Leg
• Conventional Lion and Gallic Cock (Applied to Spandrels)
• Natural Forms (1) Carving a Bird and Foliage Panel
• Natural Forms (2) Carving a Fish Panel
• Natural Forms (3) Carving a Hare and Squirrel Panel
• The Carving of Amorino Heads on Brackets
• Carving Grotesque Heads and Masks
• Carving Grotesques: The Griffin
• Figure Carving: Panelled Figures
• A Carved Military Panel
• Carving Heads from Shaded Drawings
• Carving on Early Victorian Furniture
• Festoons or Swags
• Carved Consoles for Door Canopy
• Woodcarving Tools
• Sharpening Tools
• Designs
• Woods for Carving
• Index