Based in the North Cotswolds, LETTERCARVE specialises in high quality, hand-cut hardwood sign carving.
Why should I choose one of these signs?
In purchasing one of these signs, you are supporting a long family tradition of woodcarving, and in so doing, you are obtaining a small work of art, crafted from locally sourced timber whenever possible, and made in the Oxfordshire village of Sibford Gower.
How are the signs made?
Some years ago, I inherited some wood carving tools from my father. Prior to that time my carving had been in stone, but these beautiful tools (some dating from the 1920s) were crying out to be used. So I learnt how to cut letters in wood.
The signs are carved by hand, without any mechanical aid. The letters are drawn in a style which dates back to Roman times when the Classical form of lettering was developed, and survives to this day on the column erected to the memory of Emperor Trajan, in 114AD.
Why buy something which is hand-made?
The alternative is to buy a commercially produced, router-cut sign, which will be cheaper, perfect and, as such, devoid of character.
Can the signs be coloured?
Many clients prefer to have the incised letters filled in with paint, particularly if it is to be hung in a shaded place, but some are happy to allow the natural fall of the light to bring out the quality of the letter forms. Signs which are hung in full sun are best painted in black. It is sometimes possible to include a simple design, carved in ‘bas-relief’ – leaves, apples or some similarly simple motif.
How are they attached?
The sign will be delivered with the facility to be mounted with concealed or visible fixings, and will require only basic DIY tools.
How do I look after the sign?
Oak signs can be left to age naturally, eventually taking on the characteristic silver-grey patina of native English hardwood. If this is the case, I would recommend the letters being painted in with black or a dark coloured gloss acrylic paint.
I usually treat the raw wood with a coat of Danish or Teak oil. This brings out the grain, but will gradually fade as the wood weathers naturally.
Occasionally, clients have requested a darker wood - this will usually be teak, mahogany or iroko, depending on availability.
Examples of all the finishes can be seen in the Gallery.
What care do the cheese/chopping boards need?
Never put the board in a dishwasher, and always dry it thoroughly after washing. To preserve the natural beauty of the grain and to avoid splitting, treat your Lettercarve board or platter to an occasional wipe over with olive or vegetable oil. Alternatively, any proprietary brand of anti-bacterial worktop oil will do the same job.
How long does it take to make?
Usually orders can be met within 21 days.
How much will it cost?
The charge is normally calculated by the number of letters. As a rough indicator, house name boards cost somewhere in the region of £6 per letter. The cost of the timber, the preparation and treatment of the wood, brass fixings and a charge for painting in the lettering are small additional costs.
Can the board be posted to me?
If you live outside the local area, the board can be sent by courier for a modest cost.
What is the next step?
Make an initial enquiry to Michael, by e-mail, outlining the kind of product you would like. Provide as much information as you can and you will be contacted with details of what further instructions may be needed before work can begin.
Why should I choose one of these signs?
In purchasing one of these signs, you are supporting a long family tradition of woodcarving, and in so doing, you are obtaining a small work of art, crafted from locally sourced timber whenever possible, and made in the Oxfordshire village of Sibford Gower.
How are the signs made?
Some years ago, I inherited some wood carving tools from my father. Prior to that time my carving had been in stone, but these beautiful tools (some dating from the 1920s) were crying out to be used. So I learnt how to cut letters in wood.
The signs are carved by hand, without any mechanical aid. The letters are drawn in a style which dates back to Roman times when the Classical form of lettering was developed, and survives to this day on the column erected to the memory of Emperor Trajan, in 114AD.
Why buy something which is hand-made?
The alternative is to buy a commercially produced, router-cut sign, which will be cheaper, perfect and, as such, devoid of character.
Can the signs be coloured?
Many clients prefer to have the incised letters filled in with paint, particularly if it is to be hung in a shaded place, but some are happy to allow the natural fall of the light to bring out the quality of the letter forms. Signs which are hung in full sun are best painted in black. It is sometimes possible to include a simple design, carved in ‘bas-relief’ – leaves, apples or some similarly simple motif.
How are they attached?
The sign will be delivered with the facility to be mounted with concealed or visible fixings, and will require only basic DIY tools.
How do I look after the sign?
Oak signs can be left to age naturally, eventually taking on the characteristic silver-grey patina of native English hardwood. If this is the case, I would recommend the letters being painted in with black or a dark coloured gloss acrylic paint.
I usually treat the raw wood with a coat of Danish or Teak oil. This brings out the grain, but will gradually fade as the wood weathers naturally.
Occasionally, clients have requested a darker wood - this will usually be teak, mahogany or iroko, depending on availability.
Examples of all the finishes can be seen in the Gallery.
What care do the cheese/chopping boards need?
Never put the board in a dishwasher, and always dry it thoroughly after washing. To preserve the natural beauty of the grain and to avoid splitting, treat your Lettercarve board or platter to an occasional wipe over with olive or vegetable oil. Alternatively, any proprietary brand of anti-bacterial worktop oil will do the same job.
How long does it take to make?
Usually orders can be met within 21 days.
How much will it cost?
The charge is normally calculated by the number of letters. As a rough indicator, house name boards cost somewhere in the region of £6 per letter. The cost of the timber, the preparation and treatment of the wood, brass fixings and a charge for painting in the lettering are small additional costs.
Can the board be posted to me?
If you live outside the local area, the board can be sent by courier for a modest cost.
What is the next step?
Make an initial enquiry to Michael, by e-mail, outlining the kind of product you would like. Provide as much information as you can and you will be contacted with details of what further instructions may be needed before work can begin.
