CARVED STAIRCASE PARTS | Carved Newel Post | Hand-carved Stair Components

Patrick Damiaens
Ornamental Woodcarver- Architectural Woodcarving

Ornamental carving for a staircase
















The Rococo staircase

In the Rococo style the elegantly crafted balusters were the eye-catcher of the staircase. Thanks to the spiral form of the stairs, the slightly curved bottom of the balusters flow smoothly into the stringer. Most of the time the bottom of the main baluster is formed by an open “rocaille”-motive. These motives or carvings, formed in the shape of a shell, went particularly well together with acanthus leaves and flowers.

Cabinetmakers working in the Rococo style originally had a preference for openly sculptured balusters. However, in today’s implementations of the classic Rococo staircase people often choose for sober banisters manufactured with a turning lathe, not only because it is cheaper but it also leaves a less heavy impression.

Nevertheless, the moderation of banisters is not just something that can be found in modern craftsmanship. The banisters in Louis XIV for example are, in contrast with these in the Rococo style, very strictly styled and sober. With its more moderated approach classicism remade the flaunting Rococo staircase to a more sober but still elegant piece of furniture.

But I stick with it, if one wishes an elegant staircase in the Rococo style (and if one has the space for it), open cravings give your staircase a beautiful an unique look. 

Carved staircase parts

In Belgium, the finest examples of craftsmanship in the Rococo style (± 1750) can be found in the ‘Hotel van den Meersche’ in Ghent and in the town hall of Lier.  

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The phases for making a carved newel

With Rococo style motifs
 "After the French Manner"

1)      A rough version of the sculpture or carving is drawn on the wood with crayon.

 2)      We put down the proper lines and forms of the ornaments on the baluster with a pencil. 

3)      We saw out the baluster.

4)      With a router we prepair the different levels in the wood

5)      The carving can actually begin.

carved staircase parts, detail

 
 Plaster models can be helpful when making individual ornaments. 

Rococo ornament surrounded by shell-like "rocailles", leaves and C-scrolls.

Personal project (in the Netherlands)

The baluster sculptured by myself was not made to fit a new but an existing staircase in a house built in around 1930. Several rooms including the hallway where the staircase is located, needed renovation. With this face lift the owners wanted to give their house a unique character. By providing the existing staircase with classic Rococo woodcarving, the room got a more elaborated look.

It is however very difficult to respect existing situations and to meet the wishes of the costumer at the same time. So it is always a challenge to keep the harmony in a room.

Carved Newel post

Every design and every application of carving  is unique and will never be remade in the exact same way.

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

http://www.pearlsofcraftsmanship.com

Translation Liesbeth Neyens

Architectural Carving Custom-made | TRADITIONAL WOOD CARVING | MASTER WOODCARVER PATRICK DAMIAENS | Custom-made Ornaments

Architectural Carving

Ornamental Woodcarver 

Patrick Damiaens

By Denzil Walton Journalist

In the 17th century, the Belgian town of Liege became highly prosperous through its coal mining, metal processing and glass refining industries.

Over the years, it evolved into a fashionable residence for princes, aristocracy and wealthy merchants who could spend lavishly on expensive furniture. As most skilled craftsmen from the surrounding regions were invited to work there, the city soon became famous for Furniture characterized by beautifully and delicately carved decoration. 

Woodcarving studio - Architectural Carving  Patrick Damiaens in Belgium

Three hundred years later, Liege-style furniture is still being created and carved to the highest levels of quality. From his workshop in Maaseik, Belgium, Patrick Damiaens is a reassuring reminder that even in these days of mass-manufactured furniture, there is still a demand for the traditional skills of a master artisan. He studied three years at the Don Bosco Institute in Liege, where he learned the complex trade of ornamental woodcarving. He spent six years studying furniture- making and one year woodcarving in his

hometown of Maaseik. Today, Damiaens is the only full-time ornamental woodcarver in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking half of Belgium.

Patrick works in close cooperation with four colleagues: a staircase-maker, two cabinet-makers and a furniture restorer. Between them, they turn planks of rough French oak into stunning cupboards, chests of drawers, wardrobes, door frames, staircases, stereo cabinets and decorative panels. We can make and decorate virtually any item of furniture,” Damiaens exclaims enthusiastically.

To make an item of Liege-style furniture is a highly complex process. The preparatory technical drawings can take a full month and every item of furniture requires a totally new set of drawings. His first task is to make a rough sketch of the pattern, which might be based on an original item of furniture or created by Damiaens himself. This is then presented to the customer.

The final technical drawing is redrawn on tracing paper and pinned to the selected panel of wood. The design is then transferred onto the wood, which in most cases is French oak.

Liege style furniture

The next stage is the only time that Damiaens uses a machine (apart from one to sharpen his tools). He skillfully manipulates a router to remove the bulk of the wood surrounding the design, after which the actual hand carving can begin. 

With respect, patience and much artistic craft, Damiaens carves each motif until he finds the right expression and character. Once the carving is completed, the panel is returned to the cabinetmaker to be treated and incorporated into the intended piece of furniture, be it an 18th century reproduction piece or an individual creation.

Architectural carving for panelling

Damiaens is enthralled with the variety of projects he is asked to undertake, as well as the larger pieces of furniture which easily take eight months to a year to complete. For a German client, he is currently building and decorating a Georgian-style library. In between these large projects, he carves and decorates a range of smaller, custom-made architectural carving.

Patrick likes to challenge himself with exciting new carving designs. Most recently, he is utilizing the style of 17th century English woodcarvers, who created wonderful trophies and exquisite cascades of flowers, fruit and leaves, which are applied to paneling, walls and even chimneys. 

So detailed and refined are these carvings that in certain light they look natural and lifelike, and have been likened to lacework.

“I still try to add a personal contemporary touch to these high-relief carvings,” explains Damiaens. “I see them as my children.”

By Denzil Walton

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