Carving out an international reputation, including Stockport

The art of woodcarving is truly international and nowhere is that better illustrated than in the career of Devon-based Laurent Robert. Born in the Auvergne region of France, Laurent began his career as an apprentice there before moving to England to continue his apprenticeship with the long-established ecclesiastical firm of church restorers, Herbert Read Ltd. While he was with them he was involved in the restoration of the organ case of St Paul’s in Deptford and the refurbishment of Kensington Palace Chapel.

It was also while at Herbert Read Ltd that he took part in a restoration project very close to the offices of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World. Just a few hundred metres away, in Stockport’s historic market place, is Staircase House, a building that houses one of the very few examples of a carved Jacobean staircase, set in a traditional cruck frame house.

In 1995 a devastating fire had almost destroyed the house which was in the process of being restored. All that remained of the staircase were charred newel post, panel stairs, and risers. In 2003 the restoration process was resumed. Following consolidation the rebuilding began, using oak pegs to fasten the structures.

Laurent carried out the woodcarving of the strap-work under the supervision of Master Carver Laurence Beckford.

Following his apprenticeship Laurent went on to become a carver and cabinet maker with famous organ maker William Drake Ltd before founding his own business in 2015. He now carries out commissions in a number of areas of woodcarving and cabinet making, including new carvings for pipe organs in the 18th-century English style for the Noack Organ Co of Massachusetts.

For further information visit www.laurentrobert-carving.com