Famous Wood Carvers?

[dereks]

My son asked me if there are any world famous wood carvers who's stuff could be taken to Antiques Roadshow. I had absolutely no idea, seeing as I'm so new to wood carving. Does anyone know? He was saying that maybe I'd be one one day. It was cute, although, admitedly, unlikely.

[Steve Reed]

Guess it depends on your definition of "famous". There are a number of "famous" woodcarvers in the US, Enlow, Hajny, Stetson etc., to name a few. Doubt that you would find any famous woodcarvers work at the antiques road show, since most are in collections and collectors know their stuff. Not to say that it can't happen. . .
Just my $.02

[Robson Valley]

For bird decoys, I'd nominate Tom Taber. He and his shop have been around for a very long time.
BTW, very old wooden casting plugs/fishing lures/crank baits (whatever you like to call them) are BIG BUCKS. Snoop around the archives in fieldandstream.com. It's free.

There are some new people that Ducks Unlimited is buying/molding/casting. I've seen their work over the past few years but the names escape me.

[susieq]

For the Antiques Road Show, Grinling Gibbons. Not sure of the spelling, but his work was legendary. Probably the finest wood carver that ever lived.

[toycarver]

Andy Anderson might be a good one.

[dereks]

I really love wood carving. Its so relaxing, like there isn't a problem in the world. I figure that since I've found my hobby, that I should get to know some of the big names in it. I like history, so I figured that I should get to know some of the famous historical woodcarvers, not to mention the current ones.

[TreeWizard]

I agree with susiq. It's said that gibbons had a display of carved flowers in the window of his home that actually moved when the breeze blew into the window.

[dereks]

Originally Posted by susieq

For the Antiques Road Show, Grinling Gibbons. Not sure of the spelling, but his work was legendary. Probably the finest wood carver that ever lived.

I just googled Grinling Gibbons (spelled perfectly) and WOW! I'd be thrilled to be even half that good! Have there been any books written about him? I know that they have books written about the lives of famous painters, it would be a shame not to have one written about such an amazing artist as this. I found lots of books about his carvings and about woodcarving siting his works, but none about his life. Anyone know of any?

[carver33]

How about Elmer Crowell. A decoy carved by him sold for over $1 million.

[davidinsarasota]

Tilman Riemenschneider would be one in the historical virtuoso's category, as would Michael Angelo if we are not limiting ourselves to wood. Ian Norbury and Chris Pye should, arguably, be considered contemporary masters. And then I guess you would have to place Davidinsarasota in the 'future masters' catagory.