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Private Residences
We often have the pleasure of working on private residences, where our carving expertise and keen design aesthetic can turn an ordinary room into something quite extraordinary. Our projects range in size and scope from elegant frames to elaborate doorways to paneled walls and ceilings. In all instances, the pieces are designed to complement the existing decor and, as is often the case, naturally become the focal point of the room.
ENGLISH ROCOCO CHIMNEY
Client: Gordon and Ann Getty, San Francisco
Interior Designer: LeavittWeaver, USA and Canada.
"Agrell Architectural Carving has created a woodcarving workshop of international stature here in the United States, and work like this is a true testimony to their craftsmanship."
— Stephen Weaver, Interior Designer
When this project was first presented, it was composed of several large distorted photocopies, which had been enlarged from a small picture. These images were pinned to the wall (the same wall you see in the picture) where it was eventually to be installed.
Adam Thorpe, who at the time was the youngest elected British Master Carver and our Chief Wood Carver, took on the challenge of making this multifarious vision a reality.
To start, Adam went to London's famous Victoria and Albert Museum to draw the relevant elements he found within the museum's collections, and produced full-sized drawings for the client and the designers to review. Next, he researched how these chimney pieces were constructed (pretty crudely) and in particular, how the different parts of the mirror would be attached (pretty cleverly). He also studied the strength and depth of the carving as he knew this varies greatly and would effect timing and cost.
After approximately 3,600 hours of hand carving, including extensive gilding, the result is a masterpiece of stunning beauty—easily one of the most astonishing pieces of English Rococo ever recreated.
Our dear friend, Adam Thorpe, is a draftsman and classical woodcarver of exceptional talent. We highly recommend his work and invite you to visit his website at www.ornatech.com.
English Rococo Chimney.
The main banner above is an example of the complexity and fine quality of the hand carving.
View a part of the original design.
KING GEORGE MUSIC ROOM
Client: Gordon and Ann Getty, San Francisco
Architect: McEachron Architects, San Francisco, California
"The duplicated King George pine woodwork your shop provided for the residence was equal, if not superior in quality to the original mid-18th century casing, baseboard and crown moulding."
— Edgar McEachron, Architect
The Gettys had obtained original carved elements from England dating from about 1760. Agrell Architectural Carving was commissioned to restore and reproduce the elements to create an immense music room large enough to hold an entire orchestra. The wood carved cornice and baseboards were hand carved to work in harmony with the original hand carved wood work.
