Handmade Icon Boards – Traditional Craftsmanship from Our Shropshire Workshop
At Dylan Hartley, much of our work is about creating something that will last. Our handmade icon boards are a particularly special example of that.
Made individually in our workshop in Jackfield, Shropshire, our icon boards are produced for professional iconographers, artists, churches and individuals in the UK and overseas.
Each board starts simply – with carefully selected timber and the hands of a skilled cabinetmaker.
Made by hand, not mass produced
Our icon boards are individually made using traditional joinery techniques.
We primarily use Lime or Tulipwood for the main board, with rear braces made from European Oak or Sapele. The timber is kiln dried and sourced from FSC-certified stock. Dylan Hartley Ltd
Depending on the dimensions of the board, one or more dovetailed timber trusses are fitted into the back. These help support the timber while still allowing for its natural movement.
The photographs from our workshop show this process particularly well – from the unfinished timber and carefully cut dovetail joint through to a row of boards being prepared together.
The traditional recessed face
The front of the board can be made with the traditional recessed painting area, known as the Kovcheg in Russian or Kivotos in Greek.
Rather than simply machining a flat piece of timber, the border and transition into the central painting surface are carefully formed as part of the board itself.
Because we make our boards individually, the dimensions of the board and the Kivotos can be specified when ordering. Dylan Hartley Ltd
Ungessoed or traditionally gessoed
Customers can order their icon board either ungessoed or gessoed.
For an ungessoed board, the timber can be supplied sanded and ready for the iconographer to undertake their own preparation.
Our gessoed boards go through a much longer process. The wooden panel is prepared with rabbit-skin glue before linen is applied. Further preparation follows before approximately 15 coats of gesso are built up over several days. Dylan Hartley Ltd
The result is the beautiful, brilliant white surface seen in the finished board below.
Importantly, our standard gessoed boards are supplied with the edges sanded while the main painting surface is left unsanded, allowing the iconographer to prepare the final surface according to their own requirements. We can also surface-sand the board if requested. Dylan Hartley Ltd
Made to your dimensions
Although we hold some standard sizes, one of the advantages of buying directly from our workshop is that we can make icon boards to individual dimensions.
From small individual panels through to substantially larger pieces, crosses and specialist church commissions, we can discuss the construction required for each project.
We have even produced specialist pieces including Royal Doors for the Church of St Nicholas in Amsterdam. Dylan Hartley Ltd
Made in Shropshire, sent around the world
Our icon boards leave our small workshop in Jackfield and travel considerably further than most of the furniture we make.
We supply customers throughout the UK and can ship boards internationally. We are also proud of our association with respected icon painter Aidan Hart, whose work can be found in churches, monasteries and collections around the world. Dylan Hartley Ltd
There is something particularly satisfying about knowing that what begins as a piece of timber on our workshop bench will eventually become the foundation for an icon that may be treasured for generations.
Looking for a handmade icon board?
Whether you require a standard board, a bespoke size, an ungessoed panel or a fully prepared gessoed board, please contact us with your required dimensions and specifications.
Dylan Hartley Limited Fusion, Church Road, Jackfield, Shropshire TF8 7AP
Tel: 07871 779615 Email: info@dylanhartley.com
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