Letter cutting
A traditional art form
Lettering has been done for centuries. The letters carved in the Trajan column in Rome, Italy are considered the letter form of reference and their proportions have been carefully analysed and have inspired many letter cutters since developing this ancient skill into an art form.
Words are powerful at evoking things, be it a favourite quote, some poetry or your own words that commemorate something or someone important to you.
Letters can be cut in different contexts. To form part of the architecture: a quote on a beam, a plaque or a decorative panel for instance. Letters can also be found on furniture such as on a favourite bench.
These days letters can be cut by machine, from the layout to the cutting, yet I am doing it the traditional way, by hand. This brings a very different dimension to the artwork as each cut will play with the light and it will give you a bespoke and personalised carving for you to enjoy for many years to come.
Step-by-Step proces
The letters are first drawn by hand on paper.
Once the layout and letter form are agreed and the wood has been chosen, the wood is prepared and the letters transferred onto it.
The letters are drawn onto the actual wood and then cut by hand the way it has been done for centuries, using chisels and a mallet.
If applicable, chamfers, finishing oil or wax and fixing might be applied.