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Objects of Design #359: Portrait Carving

the laser cutter creates portraits from photographs - see more at photocarve.co.uk
the laser cutter creates portraits from photographs – see more at photocarve.co.uk

Look at this. Isn’t it clever. It arrived in the post the other day (my birthday since you ask) and when I peeled off the bubble wrap I saw it in stages, much as you are doing there. And then I realised what it was.

It’s the new brainchild of Anthony Hartley who already makes amazing furniture from his studio at Damside Mill in Haworth. The studio manager, Nel Hargrave sent me this as an example of their new business Photocarve.

She told me: “We take people’s favourite images and upload them into the CNC routing machine software. Then Mr Hartley does some magic stuff and the machine adjusts the depth, width and shape of the cut to create the detail and perspective which make up the image.

“It then carves the image out of a MDF laminate board (like some kitchens are made from), and finished by hand in the workshop. The software is mainly designed for shop signage and similar stuff, but Tony is a bit more creative than that.

“The gallery at Damside is bursting with images – we’ve done loads of test ones of hollywood stars, Ferraris and cityscapes as well as friends, family and pets (naturally) to showcase the new product.”
They can do square, portrait or landscape, and have four size options, from small (40cm2 up to 60cm2 ) at £85 +p&p up to extra large (110cm x 220cm) £360 +p&p – and if you have a specific size requirement to fit a particular space, they can do that too. Images will be delivered to the customer within a week of ordering.
So, if anyone is interested, they can visit www.photocarve.co.uk, or email [email protected] or call Rob Mason, their agent on 07968 875205.
I think it’s a great idea and fantastic for presents. Here’s mine in its entirety by the way.
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Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

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