Though he was born in the city of Hull, Thomas Wilkinson Wallis spent most of his life in Louth, Lincolnshire. Born in 1821, he died in 1903.
He learnt the craft of woodcarving during a long apprenticeship in the city of his birth but as he grew older he demonstrated that his talent was extraordinary. Using single blocks of lime wood, he was able to carve remarkable decorative pieces in which fine tools such as scalpels were used to create incredible detail. For example, his carved ivy leaves are as thin as living ivy leaves.
Some of his work is on display in Louth Museum and though the pieces are over one hundred and sixty years old, the skills that he possessed remain very apparent. He needed more than immense patience and a steady hand, he also required daring and vision.
Thomas Wallis was acclaimed in his own lifetime and received numerous commissions - including one or two from America. He was also invited to send examples of his work to The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and to The Paris Exhibition of 1855 where he won medals.
Rather tragically, in 1858, Wallis damaged his eyes while observing an eclipse through inadequately smoked glass, and fear of permanently losing his sight caused him to finally abandon his career as a carver in 1874. He went on to become the Borough Surveyor for Louth and was also involved in public health inspection.
Until last Saturday I admit that I knew nothing about Thomas Wallis but having seen examples of his work, it seems to me that he was a genius. Not so much a wood carver, more a sculptor in wood and a true artist. It is nice to sing of a forgotten hero but instead, let two of his creations sing for him...
"Trophy of Spring" 1851
"Partridges and Ivy"
Absolute genius!
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame he gave upon it, you don't mention if he did actually become blind?
Wow! That is some skill. He also had a vision of what he wanted his works to say.
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