Congratulations to Tom Ball, our de Laszlo Lead Woodcarving Tutor, who has won the Heritage Crafts Woodworker of the Year Award 2023.
The £2,000 prize and trophy, sponsored by Axminster Tools, was awarded at a presentation at St George’s College, Windsor Castle, on Wednesday 15 November.
The award, now in its second year, “celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of woodworking over the past year. It recognizes a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular woodworking skill.” Heritage Crafts
Tom has taught on our BA (Hons) Carving: Woodcarving and Gilding and MA Carving courses since 2020, and was appointed Lead Woodcarving Tutor in 2022.
After studying Woodcarving & Gilding at the Art School from 2005-2008, Tom has worked extensively within the field of carving and restoration. His projects include the restoration of Grinling Gibbons’ carving at Trinity College Chapel Oxford, and carving and gilding the main canopy columns for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2021, he was awarded the Master Carver Certificate by the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers.
We could not be more delighted for Tom on receiving this incredibly well-deserved achievement.
Photo credit: Stefan Jakubowski, Heritage Crafts