William Barsley
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
William Barsley is a classically trained woodcarver specialising in bespoke carving and restoration, working across the UK and internationally. A graduate of the City & Guilds of London Art School, he studied Historic Woodcarving and Gilding, developing the traditional techniques that underpin his practice today. William is passionate about preserving the skills of the past while bringing a contemporary sensibility to each project, ensuring that heritage craft continues to thrive in the modern world.
Among his recent projects is the Exeter Cathedral Misericord Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund — a rare opportunity to contribute to the living story of one of England’s great cathedrals. William carved oak misericords designed by the local community, celebrating heritage through their creativity and voices. He collaborated closely with residents and the Cathedral to weave contemporary ideas into the centuries-old tradition of misericrods.
He also contributed to the restoration of Westminster Hall, one of the oldest surviving parts of the Palace of Westminster. As part of a specialist team, William was involved in the restoration of the intricately carved medieval angels that line the hall’s hammer-beam roof—an extraordinary example of 14th-century craftsmanship. The project required technical skill, but a deep sensitivity to historical context. William now carves replicas of these angels for the Parliament shop, that are made to order.
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