Focus Johnny Woodford
- James Stewart
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11
This August we are pleased to present the Tarrant Gallery pair of tables in reclaimed Brighton elm commissioned from Johnny Woodford.
These organic looking but functional tables have been created especially for the Tarrant Gallery in Johnny Woodford's characteristic style.
Red Head by Christopher Marvell on a Tarrant Gallery table by Johnny Woodford with Nick Bodimeade Christopher Marvell’s bronze Small Running Dogs on a Tarrant Galley table by Johnny Woodford
Above left: Red Head, cast bronze by Christopher Marvell on one of a pair of Tarrant Gallery tables by Johnny Woodford with Nick Bodimeade’s painting Above, On and Below, Ditchlight.
Above right: Christopher Marvell’s bronze Small Running Dogs on the second of the pair of Tarrant Galley tables by Johnny Woodford, with Nick Bodimeade’s Every Pad an Island, Mast Year Pears and Winter Crab.
Background to Johnny Woodford
Johnny Woodford, a master wood carver, transforms raw timber into large yet intricate works of art that celebrate the natural beauty and inherent character of wood. He has a reputation for producing avant garde and innovative sculpture in reclaimed wood and/or fallen trees (oak and elm).
He studied art at West Sussex Art College, now Northbrook College part of Brighton University, graduating in 1988, it is here that he met with Matt Bodimeade, with whom he has worked on a number of projects (see Books below).
Woodford draws inspiration from the organic forms found in nature, imbuing each sculpture with a sense of life and movement.
His craftsmanship blends traditional techniques with contemporary design, creating pieces that are both timeless and modern.
Among his output and his many commissions are seven seats for Queens Park, Brighton; Abstract art for children to play on in Poole; Various show gardens at the Hampton Court Flower Show (one winning a gold medal with Cleve West) plus numerous private commissions.
Woodford has received many commissions linked to The Chelsea Flower Show. In 2019, the British Garden designer and Author, Andy Sturgeon, commissioned Woodford to create monumental burnt oak walls for his show garden, and more recently in 2023, the artist was commissioned to produce bird boxes made from cedar wood with a variety of different textures for The Centre Point Garden, designed by Cleve West and burnt oak seating for Alan Williams at Landform Consultants.
The Tarrant Gallery Tables
The Tarrant Gallery pair of tables are in reclaimed elm from the Grand Parade area in Brighton during 2019.
The legs are from an old tree, whose trunk was 120 cm wide, so maybe 150 years old. One leg still has an old screw that was found deep inside.
The tops are both from the same younger tree, maybe 50 years old. The matching grain pairs the tables, although the legs in one are treated differently, with texture provided by grooves at the base.
These functional tables retain the characteristics of Johnny Woodford’s work with their organic, walking legs.
Previous Collaborations with Johnny Woodford
James Stewart and Zimmer Stewart Gallery have worked with Johnny Woodford on a number of projects and exhibitions since 2008:
2008 - Books with Matt Bodimeade: For this exhibition Johnny Wooford created a series of large scale 'book' sculptures made from oak and cedar with veneer pages. Most pieces have a natural finish whilst others were scorched.
The effect is reminiscent of Gaudi architecture, with surreal curves and windows providing a view through from cover to cover.
Matt Bodimeade’s relief wall pieces are a bi-product of his working life as forester, farm worker, builder and landscape contractor.
They are a distillation of ideas and images that get collected over time spent with one’s face more often than not looking at the ground and a desire to use materials in a purely non-functional manner; a compromise not necessary in his work as an artist.
The materials used are wood, twine, metal, paint, and grit. The overall effect is tension, movement and intervention. Titles for the relief works hint at the inspiration and include: Assist, Step, Harvest and Bundle.
2009 - Christmas Tree installation
For December 2009 Johnny Woodford created a series of carved trees. Some were in one piece, others in several pieces from the same piece of wood fitting together like a jigsaw.
2013 - Jose Show at Whithurst Park
In July 2013 Jose Waldie invited James Stewart/Zimmer Stewart Gallery to present the sculpture to be exhibted alongside paintings and ceramics both inside and outside Whithurst Park.
James Stewart selected Johnny Woodford works with pieces by Christopher Marvell, Lilia Umana Clarke, Giles Penny and Paul Amey.
Johnny Woodford installed four columns in the grounds of this contemporary/tudor manor house in oak and cedar from 2.65 to 4.9m high.
2018 - The Bends installation for Arundel Festival
In August 2018 James Stewart invirted Johnny Woodford to create an installation for one of the roundabouts in town for the Arudnel Festival that year.
These trees featured carved concertinas as if this was making the trees 'bend'.
2020 - Gallery installation
For our Christmas Mixed exhibition Johnny Woodford created a 2.5m tall totem sculpture (No 10) in natural elm with a painted oak base.
Contact us with any questions, or to commission a Johnny Woodford table or other sculpture.
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