Thomas Ball
Tom is an award winning carver working in wood and stone from his workshop in the National Trust Village of Coleshill Oxfordshire.
Originally studying technical illustration and 3D design. Tom became an accomplished draughtsman before working as a carpenter. He soon found he wanted to explore a more creative pathway and followed his passion for carving, in 2005 he was awarded The Drapers Company Wood Carving Scholarship to attend the City and Guilds of London Art School.
During this time studying Tom received awards for both Drawing and Carving and graduated in 2008 with a 1st class Diploma in Ornamental Carving.
After College Tom went on to work freelance for some of London's most prestigious conservation companies gaining a wealth of experience in the field of restoration. This background has allowed Tom the chance to develop a thorough understanding and ability to work sensitively within many period styles. He has also had the opportunity to build a high level of competence for working with often valuable and extremely fragile historic objects.
Alongside this, Tom continues to work on carving commissions as well large scale restoration projects both as a carver and joiner but also latterly as a project manager and site foreman. In 2020 Tom returned to City and Guilds of London Arts School to work as a Tutor for the carving department.
Toms carving, lettering and conservation work can be found in renowned locations around the country including many of Oxfords and Londons most celebrated Colleges, Chapels and Churches.
Projects of note include;
2009 Victoria & Albert Museum. Installation of Sir Paul Pindar's House and The Breton Staircase inc other stone objects for the Medieval & Renaissance Galleries.
2011 Ashmolean Museum Oxford. Installation of the Ancient Egyptian Galleries.
2012 The Queens Diamond Jubilee. Carving and Gilding of the main Canopy columns.
2014 Sydenham House Restoration. Grade 1 listed. Carver and joiner.
2015 Trinity College Chapel Oxford. Grinling Gibbons Restoration. Carver and site foreman.
2017 Jesus College Dining Hall Restoration. Carver and joiner.
2018 Lincoln College Chapel Oxford. Removal repair and re-Gilding. Carver, Gilder and Project Manager.
2019 Lincoln College Chapel Oxford. Woodcarving repairs and refinishing of the choir stalls and screen.
2019 Carving of two replacement Busts of Roman Emperors in Bath Stone for the National Trust.
-Working along side the National Trust to develop courses for a craft skills centre.
2020-Present Woodcarving Tutor at City & Guilds of London Arts School.
2020 Lincoln College Oxford Dining Hall, restoration.
2021 Stage 2 Lincoln College Oxford Dining Hall Restoration.
2021 Awarded the Master Carver certificate by the Worshipful Company Of Joiners and Ceilers.
2022 Became the de Laszlo Lead Woodcarving Tutor
at City and Guids of London Art School
2023 Tutor and Heritage Skills Consulant for the National Trusts Skills Centre, Coleshill Oxfordshire.
2024 Awarded Heritage craft, Wood worker of the Year.
My Latest Projects
Ginko leaf brooch, carved in pear.
Mourning figure clay model to be carved in Oak.
info coming soon.....
craft27@hotmail.co.uk | 07366 393420