Jozef Mesar is a Master  Carver with many years  of carving experience. He was born in the historical Slovakian town of Kezmarok  but spent most of his young  life in the countryside surrounded by forests  and hills.  He learned  his craft in Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia)  graduating as a teacher  of wood  carving  from the University of Matej Bell.

In 1978 Jozef started his wood  carving  career. His notable  talent led him in 1986 to work for the Slovakian State Residential Restoration Programme. This required him to replicate and reproduce existing pieces which were more than 200 years old. An exemplary  standard was required.

In 1992 Jozef set up his own business working on private commissions including ornate reliefs, crests, shields  and statues etc.  He later spent over seven years teaching wood carving.

Jozef was invited to the U.K. in 2002 by Stuart Interiors to work  on their major pieces of 16th century reproduction carved furniture including linen fold paneling. During  this time he trained other of their employees in the art of woodcraft and carving  and thus has been able to pass on his considerable knowledge to future  generations.

Jozef opened his Woodcarving Workshop and Gallery at Barrington Court in April 2010. Since then he worked on various commissions including life size garden sculptures carved insitu, church commissions, commemorative works, reliefs, busts to name but a few.

Jozef has also undertaken work with schools. Recently Jozef has completed carving sculptures and reliefs for the Nine Springs Park in Yeovil.

Jozef’s Workshop and Gallery are well worth a visit. There are a range of original works and items to browse and to purchase. Periodically, there are family painting workshops and woodcarving classes.