Blog Archives
Sapphire Jubilee Commemorative Plaque
It’s well over a year since my last blog but still keeping busy. Here’s just one of the many commissions that I have finished and is now in situ. I finished this hand carved and Oil Gilded plaque at the beginning of the year. You can also view this piece on my Oil Gilding page
Read MoreReproduction Chair Backs
Just thought I would share the finished product of one of my latest commissions. These reproduction Chair Backs are hand carved in Mahogany and will complement the other Chairs in the set.
Read MoreLow Relief Carving to commemorate those fallen in World War I
Can’t believe it was January the last time I blogged – clearly I’m not very good at keeping the blog updated but I have a few photos of some of the work that I have been doing over the last few months which I have added to the website. I finished this commission in May for a Church in Wales commemorating those fallen in World War I. The carved lettering on the solid Oak panels for this commission was unusual in that it was carved in low relief rather than the usual style of incised lettering. More photos can be viewed by visiting the Lettering page of my website.
Read MoreHand Carved Claw Feet
Just finished these hand carved Claw Feet in Lime that will complete a piece of furniture for a private client. They were copied from an original that is in the photograph – can you tell which one was the original?
Read MoreBusy times for Wood carver and Gilder
Haven’t blogged for some time as the last few months I have been very busy with lots of commissions ranging from carved mouldings, furniture carving, restoration and conservation work and incised lettering. Here’s a photo of some incised lettering that I have recently completed for a Yacht company. More photos are available in my website of new work that I have just finished. Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all of my clients and followers.
Read MoreWood carved Eagles
I have recently finished this commission for two carved Eagles in Lime which will be gilded and fitted to some Reproduction Mirror Frames. If you want to see more uploaded photographs check out my gallery, design and wood carving pages. Keep checking my site for updates on my next commission, coming soon.
Read MoreCarved Eagles for Period Reproduction Frames
I am just about to finish some wood carved Eagles in lime, just got the backing off to do. The Eagles are for two Period Reproduction Frames. I have designed these to replicate this certain style and I will upload the design and photographs in the next few weeks – so keep checking for updates.
Read MoreMark Bridges Carvers & Gilders Ltd has moved
It’s been some time since my last blog but we’ve now moved home and my business into the heart of Suffolk. It’s almost a year since I last wrote to congratulate Jack and Claire on their retirement and I was sincerely saddened to learn that Jack passed away in January of this year. My sincere condolences to Claire and their family at this sad time. Look out for my new video. You can view it by clicking here or click the ‘Watch Video’ button on my Home Page.
Read MoreMasonic Centre Carved Lettering
Every year for the last 13 years I have been incise carving the new names and dates of the current masters to their appropriate lodge boards. Throughout this whole time I have been dealing with the steward Jack and his wife Claire. During my last visit in April Jack informed me that both of them are retiring. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Jack and his wife Claire and they have always been very accommodating with what I require to carry out the carving on site. I hope they both have a fulfilled and happy retirement. Best wishes for the future Mark
Read MoreCabinet making, Wood carving & Gilding
Just finished a commission for a private client who wanted a solid Mahogany folding table top for his boat. The timber I used was African Mahogany from sustainable forests. For stability the centre section of the top was made up from two pieces of timber using the biscuit joint method and all ends of the table top leaves were cross banded again for stability but also hides the end grain so it is aesthetically better. I chose to use a PU adhesive in the joinery construction as it is impervious to salt water, chemicals and extreme temperature ranges. I then hand carved the name of the boat with incised lettering to the centre of the table top. After I had completed the carving I proceeded to oil gild the incised work with 23½ ct gold leaf. This has a stunning effect with the lustrous hue of the Mahogany and is complimentary to the solid brass hinges. The surface finish that I used is a tabletop hard wax oil and I applied a minimum of five coats all over. My clients were over the moon with the finished product which makes me extremely happy as I take great pride in my work.
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