Woodworker's Journal 1985-9-6, страница 28

Special Techniques

Linenfold Carving

Traditional technique finds new favor

b\ Rick and Ellen Blitz

Authors Rhk and Ellen Blitz prefer traditional tools for linenfold caning. Modern planes that serve the same function as the antique tools they show are available from a number of sources (including Garrett Wade. tel. l-8(X>-221-2942 or Woodcraft, tel. 1-800-2251153). or you < an use a router for much of the clearing oul work that's done with the planes. Garrett Wade and Woodcraft also carry the carving tools that the Biitzs use.

Linenfold carving was first used on 15th-century ecclesiastical woodcarvings to duplicate the patient formed by draped altar cloths, it developed in the Low Countries of Europe and soon spread to France and England.

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Linenfold reached the height of iis popularity in Tudor England. Thai is the period from 1485 to 1603 when Henry Vll, his notorious son Henry VIII. and Henry VIII's daughter, "Good Queen Bess." or Elizabeth I. ruled England.

Traditionally, linenfold caning was used to decorate chests, doors, beds, and paneling for walls. It was also used in churches for screens and pulpits.

Now; after several centuries of obscurity, linenfold carving is enjoying a revival. Woodworkers are adapting it lo door panels on end tables, buffets, and other furniture. It is also being used tor wall paneling in offices and homes. It adds interest to plain, flat surfaces in a subtle way that does not clash with modern lifestyles and furnishings.

Linenfold carving is unusual in lhat the folds of the cloth are shaped primarily with planes rather than carving tools. However, the end folds are shaped with carving gouges.

The planes we are using for this project are antique wooden ones that we have restored to working condition. These tools are very satisfying to use. The wooden handles fit comfortably and naturally in your hand.

A traditional project like linenfold works best using the same types of tools that the original carvers used. It creates a sense of historical continuity w ith the pasl. More importantly, ihe original designs were created for ease of shaping with the hand toots. While you can use modern electric shop tools (such as the router), it may lake a little thought and creativity lo adapt the techniques.

Tradiiionally, basswood. or limewood as ii is called in England, was used for linenfold carving. Oak was also a very popular can ing wood in medieval limes. It has great strength and durability. If you choose oak for your linenfold carvings, don't make the details of the end folds too thin. Oak has a moderately course grain texture and may crumble in UK) thin a section.

I .ighl colored wood is best for linen-told f in ing because it shows the shapes heller. The effect of folded cloth is .Kiuallv created by the shadows cast by the carved shapes. If the wotxl is too dark, there is not enough contrast between shadow and highlight and the drapery effect is lost.

The wood we are using for this carving is cherry. The board is 6 in. wide. 22 in. long, and in. thick. However, you can make the carving any lengih you need: the steps in shaping ihe folds are the same regardless of the length of your piece. This makes it very easy to adapt a linenfold design to fit different applications.

A good piece of cherry has a smooth, fine texture that makes planing a pleasure. The wood also has a warm color and a subtle grain pattern that adds interest lo the carving without obscuring the details.

To begin, mark a line around the edge of the board. V* in. down from ihe top.

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