How was it made? Carving Grinling Gibbons' cravat | V&A

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  • Опубліковано 1 сер 2021
  • Grinling Gibbons' limewood cravat was carved during the baroque period, over 300 years ago. Celebrated for its amazing realism and the exquisite detailing of lace, it is a landmark work by Britain's most famous carver.
    This film follows carver Clunie Fretton as she partially recreates the cravat in her studio using traditional tools. Watch as a fresh block of limewood is meticulously measured, outlined, and then painstakingly shaped over a two-week period. Using a variety of razor-sharp chisels, the complex form of the cravat is reproduced, along with the astonishing detail of its opulent needle lace. As she works, Clunie explains her approach and understanding of Gibbons' extraordinary achievement.
    Find out more about Grinling Gibbons: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/gri...
    See the cravat in Explore the Collections: collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O5...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 251

  • @PLuMUK54
    @PLuMUK54 2 роки тому +629

    This video shows exactly why I get annoyed when people say things like "oh work like this cannot be done today, we have lost the skills". Gibbons was exceptional in his time, not a run-of-the-mill craftsman. It is the same today, as then, most could not achieve this level of craftsmanship. Yet there are, as the video shows, those with exceptional ability who can match the best of the past. Wood carvers, artists, embroiderers, stained glass artists, even a number of art forgers, and so on, can all be as good as any in history.

    • @avian8338
      @avian8338 2 роки тому +14

      We can COPY, but not CREATE. v.different

    • @bustedkeaton
      @bustedkeaton 2 роки тому +78

      @@avian8338 plenty of people can create, but the difference is the ruling class isnt paying them to anymore. Theyd rather it be done fast and cheap by people who cant ask for what the works worth

    • @drugbuddy665
      @drugbuddy665 2 роки тому +14

      @@avian8338 an artist who had to practice for years to painstakingly carve a delicate wood sculpture in 1601 but was paid by an inbred royal to do so = real artistic creation
      an artist who had to practice for years to painstakingly carve a delicate wood sculpture in 2021 out of creative passion = just copying, making it completely different than the aforementioned wood carving
      ??? Ok

    • @wtripley
      @wtripley 2 роки тому +32

      @@avian8338 in case you never realized, the reason modern art isn’t as realistic and detailed is because we have cameras. We can make an exact copy of an image we see, down to the micro details. Why would anyone pay for a painting of something that a camera can give more quickly and more accurately? Instead, contemporary artists have moved on to the evocation of emotion as the primary effect of art. Stop being so stuck up about what you think art should be and start questioning what art even is...

    • @fritula6200
      @fritula6200 2 роки тому +2

      Brilliant !!!

  • @londonhodnet4079
    @londonhodnet4079 2 роки тому +214

    Love seeing the younger generations keeping these skills alive

  • @susanhepburn6040
    @susanhepburn6040 2 роки тому +78

    I love Grinling Gibbons'work and it's wonderful to see a young woodcarver demonstrating such skill herself. Thank you very much for sharing this!

  • @mscott3918
    @mscott3918 2 роки тому +94

    It's wonderful to see this fantastic ability being continued by the young generation. Reassuring that restoration work will be able to carry on.

    • @jamesaritchie1
      @jamesaritchie1 2 роки тому +1

      It;s more reassuring to know that original creativity and genius will carry on. I know more about painting than about any type of sculpturing or woodcarving, though I've done a good bit of each. With painting, you learn to be original by first copying the old masters. Learning to paint like da Vinci is easy. Learning how to be both good and original is the place where almost everyone fails. Good is easy, and original is easy, but creating something that is both is, for most, impossible. Even for the true geniuses it can take a lot of failure and suffering. Many give up when faced with this, even if they have the capability.
      The leading painter in my classes was a man who could create taggering copies of any old master, but who could create nothing original worth looking at. He went on to become an art forger.

  • @kristinedunkleman8767
    @kristinedunkleman8767 2 роки тому +15

    What beautiful workmanship. The hours that it takes to make the wooden Cravat. She is so confident as she carves. ❤

  • @juliancoulden1753
    @juliancoulden1753 2 роки тому +49

    Wow, I am in awe at the skill and mastery of this extraordinary young woman. Absolutely superb. Spell binding!

  • @littlejuicebox
    @littlejuicebox 2 роки тому +34

    The patience and control of the wood carver is mind blowing

  • @europamacmillan9498
    @europamacmillan9498 2 роки тому +32

    I have worked with my hands all my life since I was a little child and I am full of admiration for this woman -especially because she has no scars on her hands-Very careful and methodical

    • @markmiller3279
      @markmiller3279 2 роки тому +5

      I'm sure she has cut herself, especially when first learning such extraordinary skills. Those chisels are incredibly sharp and make very clean cuts that can heal without scarring. I did it a few times myself trying to learn some basic skills, and have no scars.

  • @melissahauke8682
    @melissahauke8682 2 роки тому +36

    wow from the thumbnail I thought it's about conserving lace. Also it's so satisfying seeing such beautifull piece of plain wood, so well seasoned and so dense and carving like butter. The choice of wood and having good and sharp tools are key here.

    • @MTMF.london
      @MTMF.london 2 роки тому +4

      She used limewood which is a very light and soft wood, not dense. Because of its texture it is a used in classical sculpture, alter pieces, intricate carvings (the Gibbons' cravat) and model building.

    • @melissahauke8682
      @melissahauke8682 2 роки тому +6

      @@MTMF.london by dense I mean that the fibers are so small and compacted. You actually can't see the fibers here as oppese to pine for example.

  • @MDeLorien
    @MDeLorien 2 роки тому +40

    Holy smokes that's absolutely mind blowing. Love her art 🖤🖤🖤

  • @jessejohnson159
    @jessejohnson159 2 роки тому +26

    Not only am I super impressed with your carving skills and your patience to do projects like this, your tool sharpening skills must be even greater! BRAVO!

  • @barefoofDr
    @barefoofDr 2 роки тому +7

    As a carver I have spent hours looking at photos of Gibbons work. You have executied this to perfection.. It is so nice to see work so well done.

  • @shawnstone72
    @shawnstone72 2 роки тому +23

    Wow! She is so talented. I love watching someone with so much talent share their amazing abilities with others. If UA-cam has at least one redeeming quality it’s things like this being shared.

  • @scoochysteve
    @scoochysteve Рік тому +3

    Funny thing, I am 52 and only found out about four years ago in a passing conversation with my mum that I am in fact a direct descendent from Grinling Gibbons on my mothers side! We are also quite an artistic family which just shows, creativity definitely is a genetic trait.

  • @janewhite2331
    @janewhite2331 2 роки тому +8

    Very very skilful

  • @debb8152
    @debb8152 Рік тому

    Wow wow wow. Amazing work Clunie Fretton. What a challenge.

  • @mjremy2605
    @mjremy2605 Рік тому

    What a labor of love. You invest a piece of your life in every work of this caliber! Marvelous!

  • @davidcerce
    @davidcerce Рік тому +3

    Amazing craftsmanship of Gibbons from nearly 300 years ago! He was an absolute master!
    I absolutely applaud this woman for working at this level of art! She is incredible!

  • @elizabethclaiborne6461
    @elizabethclaiborne6461 2 роки тому +2

    Amazing. Both the Grinley and the repro are mind boggling.

  • @josephmessner5312
    @josephmessner5312 2 роки тому +6

    Wonderful woodcarver with such beautiful work !!

  • @labj4853
    @labj4853 2 роки тому +6

    Very impressive! Thanks for sharing!!

  • @k.k.2191
    @k.k.2191 2 роки тому +4

    A gorgeous craftsperson replicating a gorgeous piece. I am amazed with the time and skill invested in this piece.

  • @warpedweft9004
    @warpedweft9004 Рік тому

    When I first saw this video come up, I thought it was actual Venetian Gros Point lace because of how real it looks. VGP lace is made with a needle and thread, buttonholing and/or winding thread over a couched thread outline and creating a webbed mesh with buttonholing to join them together. The raised bits are worked over a padding created with bundles of thread. What makes this so special to me is that the carving is so realistic you can "see" the individual threads as you would if it had been created with a needle and thread. Absolutely amazing!

  • @WondrousEarth
    @WondrousEarth 2 роки тому +6

    Beautiful craftsmanship, your 'replica' of the original is so well made, remarkable how much intricate detail there is.

  • @LostCylon
    @LostCylon 2 роки тому +31

    Grinling Gibbons work has amazed people for centuries, and will for centuries to come. Learn more about his works, and be amazed also, I know I was, long ago.

    • @Alexander-rq9he
      @Alexander-rq9he 2 роки тому

      I’ve never heard of him/his work.. I will..I’m intrigued ❤️

    • @markmiller3279
      @markmiller3279 2 роки тому

      @@Alexander-rq9he He was in great demand by the builders of stately homes for his ability to carve the most wonderful details.

  • @flamencoprof
    @flamencoprof 2 роки тому +1

    So great to hear of Grinling Gibbons again! When I began a driving tour of Britain in 1996 I had never heard of him. Six weeks later I was looking for his work at every location I visited.

  • @julieenslow5915
    @julieenslow5915 2 роки тому +6

    Impressive, by any standard. And so beautiful!

  • @amirowild7264
    @amirowild7264 2 роки тому +3

    AH . MAZE . ZING. BRAVO! Or, in fact, BRAVA! This lady is a magician.

  • @cynthiavanteylingen7922
    @cynthiavanteylingen7922 Рік тому +2

    Very cool to see the proces

  • @1989kd
    @1989kd 2 роки тому +2

    The craftsmanship is absolutely exquisite. 😌

  • @worldgonemad1977
    @worldgonemad1977 2 роки тому +4

    Fascinating to watch this process!
    My father was a monumental mason and watching a lump of stone turn into a thing of beauty is a joy - as is watching this lady do the same with a lump of wood 💖

  • @lynnblack6493
    @lynnblack6493 Рік тому

    Love it. One video I can watch over and over. So meticulous. ❤

  • @Viky.A.V.
    @Viky.A.V. Рік тому

    It's simply unbelievable! What a work...

  • @jacquegazzard4028
    @jacquegazzard4028 2 роки тому +2

    Unbelievably brilliant to see true craftsmanship in action and explained. Massive congrats! I wouldn’t have found you but for Stephanie Jarvis either!

  • @massabielle2821
    @massabielle2821 2 роки тому +3

    Ms. Fretton! Exquisite skills, and outstanding piece! I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation, and I thank you for sharing this journey.

  • @DipityS
    @DipityS 2 роки тому +2

    This young artist is extraordinarily talented and I felt privileged to be able to watch on into her process. I also felt much more like I understood the first artist, as before the video I couldn't even imagine what sort of magic could produce such an exquisitely crafted item. Well, now I know, years and years of dedication and focus and working and hard earned experience.

  • @englishruraldoggynerd
    @englishruraldoggynerd 2 роки тому +11

    That’s absolutely fascinating, and what skill! I hope that they are going to display this next to the original, and show the video, I think people will be as fascinated with it as I was, and the quality of her work is good enough to enter the museum in its own right.
    🏳️‍🌈😷👍🏻

  • @elitesflowers-floristshop.3616
    @elitesflowers-floristshop.3616 2 роки тому +1

    Stunning 😍

  • @peacheskong2245
    @peacheskong2245 2 роки тому +86

    LMAO, I only clicked because I thought this was a knitting tutorial.

    • @YY4Me133
      @YY4Me133 2 роки тому +3

      😊

    • @littlejuicebox
      @littlejuicebox 2 роки тому +17

      That is probably the biggest compliment gibbons can get 😉

    • @IrishAnnie
      @IrishAnnie 2 роки тому +5

      I thought it was about lace restoration!

    • @slowpainful
      @slowpainful 2 роки тому +1

      The skill and the PATIENCE...! I would never have thought this was possible. What strange and esoteric skills humans have developed. This is like our highest level of thought and ambition. I wish all our achievements were this beautiful and mindful.

  • @catherinejustcatherine1778
    @catherinejustcatherine1778 2 роки тому +2

    This is wonderful!
    Thank you all for posting & doing.

  • @paulmaryon9088
    @paulmaryon9088 Рік тому

    Wow, oh my what wonderful work, thank you for posting

  • @simonswoodcraft6730
    @simonswoodcraft6730 2 роки тому +1

    This video is definitely an eye opener. Love the way you approach this project.

  • @maureentaphouse5206
    @maureentaphouse5206 Рік тому

    That was incredible to watch. Thank you and thank you to the carver for showing us how it was done.

  • @SpecialSP
    @SpecialSP Рік тому +1

    Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you.

  • @Marykguise
    @Marykguise 2 роки тому

    Wow! Absolutely breathtaking, painstakingly beautiful work!!

  • @chrisberry9017
    @chrisberry9017 Рік тому

    What an utter joy to watch! I could ‘feel’ every cut that was made! Oh, the delight of working with such super-sharp tools, in such a detailed design. Wondering! Thank you!

  • @jaylittleton1
    @jaylittleton1 Рік тому

    In addition to this artist's skill and knowledge, I greatly respect the patience it took. Respect rendered.

  • @camiamy45
    @camiamy45 2 роки тому +3

    Amazing!! Thank you for sharing
    Quel incroyable travail, un objet tellement original et magnifique!

  • @jimmurphy6095
    @jimmurphy6095 2 роки тому

    I love the idea of leaving it incomplete to show the process. Perfect. Well done indeed...

  • @Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum
    @Little_Red_Riding_Hoodlum Рік тому

    This is just incredible.

  • @roninnovastar1321
    @roninnovastar1321 2 роки тому

    Absolutely Amazing !! Its a pleasure to watch these high caliber arts & crafts people display there skills.

  • @chrispokorney6801
    @chrispokorney6801 8 місяців тому

    Astounding Work !!

  • @grimmgnarly
    @grimmgnarly Рік тому

    Beautiful. Both pieces. 👏

  • @jenniferstone2975
    @jenniferstone2975 Рік тому

    Superb! Watching a master craftsman at their craft is a sublime experience. Well done!

  • @jeanhawken4482
    @jeanhawken4482 2 роки тому +1

    Lovely work

  • @mirkatu3249
    @mirkatu3249 2 роки тому

    Watching this was amazing. What a skilled artisan.

  • @RDavis-lr1zc
    @RDavis-lr1zc Рік тому

    Truly stunning.

  • @tymz-r-achangin
    @tymz-r-achangin Рік тому

    Thanks for the video. Very interesting to watch how much effort, time, work, and certainly patience that a person has to produce such intricate things

  • @impunitythebagpuss
    @impunitythebagpuss 2 роки тому

    Jaw dropping! Then and now! Wow!

  • @gloriagavaneli9862
    @gloriagavaneli9862 2 роки тому

    Wow unbelievable craft.

  • @easterazali9237
    @easterazali9237 2 роки тому

    Absolutely stunning and detailed wood art ! 🤩🥰. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @leesharpe3675
    @leesharpe3675 2 роки тому

    I've been a big fan of GG's work for many years and this is absolutely wonderful - to be able to see how it was done. If I'd known about this sort of thing many years ago, I would have loved to have done it myself, but now too old and arthritic! Clever girl - let's see more. Many many thanks. Ms Lee Sharpe

  • @Casey.seeK.
    @Casey.seeK. 2 роки тому +2

    Loved the video! Keep them coming.

  • @robertafierro5592
    @robertafierro5592 Рік тому

    I had to watch this AGAIN!

  • @soniatriana9091
    @soniatriana9091 2 роки тому

    Beautiful art has been admired, created, & collected by people who are inspired by nature & appreciative of what talents human beings are capable of!

  • @helenburke9507
    @helenburke9507 Рік тому

    Stunning

  • @sherryblack7586
    @sherryblack7586 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing!

  • @mattynoonan4428
    @mattynoonan4428 2 роки тому

    Stunning!

  • @IrishAnnie
    @IrishAnnie 2 роки тому +3

    He made a wooden sign in front of his home that was so fine, it vibrated when coaches passed his house.

  • @bri0013
    @bri0013 2 роки тому

    Breathtaking beauty and precision.

  • @rosieHolliday5887
    @rosieHolliday5887 2 роки тому

    Beautiful x

  • @melissamohr8985
    @melissamohr8985 2 роки тому

    Incredible!!!!!

  • @wendynordstrom3487
    @wendynordstrom3487 Рік тому

    FANTASTIC!! Now I want to try woodcarving!

  • @taralynn7712
    @taralynn7712 2 роки тому

    This is crazy amazing!

  • @52memor
    @52memor 2 роки тому

    Superb !!! thanks for sharing

  • @chippyshoppe7695
    @chippyshoppe7695 2 роки тому

    Clunie that is a fantastic piece of work, and i hope that you will continue to make a video to show the completed piece, skilled crafts person, clever very clever!

  • @betttrbeth
    @betttrbeth 2 роки тому

    Stunning.

  • @rebeccavalicoff1581
    @rebeccavalicoff1581 Рік тому

    Incredible

  • @IrishAnnie
    @IrishAnnie 2 роки тому

    I loved the V&A museum when we went to London two years ago. I would go back in a minute.

  • @anniehague1554
    @anniehague1554 Рік тому

    Exquisite. Best regards.

  • @joenisnapje712
    @joenisnapje712 Рік тому

    Beautiful 🤩

  • @pleinecampagne4504
    @pleinecampagne4504 Рік тому

    Absolument époustouflant. Quel savoir-faire et quelle habileté ... sans compter le temps et la maîtrise de soi !

  • @richardlane2651
    @richardlane2651 2 роки тому

    Fantastic video of an incredible craftsperson at work. A really useful illustration of the different stages the original artist would have worked though to carve the original piece. Thank you.

  • @pacificperiscope8844
    @pacificperiscope8844 2 роки тому

    Beautiful wood carving

  • @catherinemtc7795
    @catherinemtc7795 2 роки тому

    Beautiful

  • @bierjip1
    @bierjip1 2 роки тому +1

    Applause!

  • @deborahduthie4519
    @deborahduthie4519 2 роки тому +1

    Exquisite wood crafting.

  • @chrismalcomson7640
    @chrismalcomson7640 Рік тому

    Wonderful piece of work! As a marquetry maker I understand completely the way you get into the minds of the original makers. Its interesting when you're using a new technique or style you're learning all the way through the job so its a good idea to start in the least visible place when you're getting your eye in. If you know what your looking at you can often work out where the artist started and finished just by the quality and confidence of the design..

  • @2RedCrows
    @2RedCrows Рік тому +1

    I wish they’d make the 3D available for sale so we can enjoy it up close, touch it, etc.

  • @marciec6862
    @marciec6862 Рік тому

    Extraordinário! 🌺

  • @emmelulukn
    @emmelulukn 2 роки тому +4

    This is an amazing piece. The young lady looks like a runway model. Such talent! Bravo!

  • @realityjunky
    @realityjunky Рік тому

    David Esterly wrote a lovely book about carving lime wood. I highly recommend it.

  • @irmacapasso7144
    @irmacapasso7144 Рік тому

    Wow complimenti

  • @johngray8249
    @johngray8249 Рік тому

    Marvellous, lady you are very skilful, I admire and envy your talent. You are blessed with an amazing gift.👍👍👍👍💖💖💖

  • @edwardchester1
    @edwardchester1 Рік тому +2

    Shame this video skipped over the most interesting parts: cutting out the back to make it so thin, creating the deep cuts for the folds in the fabric, and doing the holes fully through the fabric. Also some exploration of finishing would've been interesting.

  • @tomadalove5852
    @tomadalove5852 2 роки тому +3

    Wish they had shown how it was worn. Amazing detailed work.

    • @vamuseum
      @vamuseum  2 роки тому +6

      Hi there, you can find out all about lace and fashion (including how cravats were worn) here: www.vam.ac.uk/articles/lace-and-fashion-in-gibbons-carving

    • @tomadalove5852
      @tomadalove5852 2 роки тому +2

      @@vamuseum Thank You & cheers from Italy.

  • @mavigogun
    @mavigogun Рік тому

    Thanks for reminding me to go sculpt.

  • @GaiaCarney
    @GaiaCarney 2 роки тому

    lovely 💐

  • @sherryrector2275
    @sherryrector2275 Рік тому

    Exquisite

  • @lindsayvanniekerk9483
    @lindsayvanniekerk9483 2 роки тому

    Beautiful work. I imagine in the past, that tap tap tapping sound could be heard often as people made or fixed everyday things. Doing this work requires a great awareness of touch and sound that we don’t have any use for now.