Ornamental Woodcarver- Architectural Woodcarving
Ornamental carving for a staircase
The Rococo staircase
In the
Rococo style the elegantly crafted balusters were the eye-catcher of the staircase.
Thanks to the spiral form of the stairs, the slightly curved bottom of the
balusters flow smoothly into the stringer. Most of the time the bottom of the
main baluster is formed by an open “rocaille”-motive. These motives or carvings,
formed in the shape of a shell, went particularly well together with acanthus
leaves and flowers.
Cabinetmakers
working in the Rococo style originally had a preference for openly sculptured balusters.
However, in today’s implementations of the classic Rococo staircase people often
choose for sober banisters manufactured with a turning lathe, not only because it
is cheaper but it also leaves a less heavy impression.
Nevertheless,
the moderation of banisters is not just something that can be found in modern
craftsmanship. The banisters in Louis XIV for example are, in contrast with
these in the Rococo style, very strictly styled and sober. With its more
moderated approach classicism remade the flaunting Rococo staircase to a more
sober but still elegant piece of furniture.
But I stick
with it, if one wishes an elegant staircase in the Rococo style (and if one has
the space for it), open cravings give your staircase a beautiful an unique
look.
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| Carved staircase parts |
In Belgium, the finest examples of craftsmanship in
the Rococo style (± 1750) can be found in the ‘Hotel van den Meersche’ in Ghent and in the town hall of Lier.
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With Rococo style motifs
"After the French Manner"
1)
A
rough version of the sculpture or carving is drawn on the wood with crayon.
2)
We
put down the proper lines and forms of the ornaments on the baluster with a
pencil.
3)
We
saw out the baluster.
4)
With
a router we prepair the different levels in the wood
5)
The
carving can actually begin.
Plaster models can be helpful when making individual ornaments.
Personal project (in the Netherlands)
Every design and every application of carving is unique and will never be remade in the exact same way.
Translation Liesbeth Neyens
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| carved staircase parts, detail |
Plaster models can be helpful when making individual ornaments.
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| Rococo ornament surrounded by shell-like "rocailles", leaves and C-scrolls. |
Personal project (in the Netherlands)
The
baluster sculptured by myself was not made to fit a new but an existing
staircase in a house built in around 1930. Several rooms including the hallway
where the staircase is located, needed renovation. With this face lift the
owners wanted to give their house a unique character. By providing the existing
staircase with classic Rococo woodcarving, the room got a more elaborated look.
It is
however very difficult to respect existing situations and to meet the wishes of
the costumer at the same time. So it is always a challenge to keep the harmony in
a room.
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| Carved Newel post |
Every design and every application of carving is unique and will never be remade in the exact same way.
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| https://www.patrickdamiaens.info |
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| http://www.pearlsofcraftsmanship.com |
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