Daniel Ponde is widely acclaimed for his historical wood carving and restoration. Daniel was born in Romania, in 1990, and lives in London. He started carving when he was eleven years old taught by a local wood carver from his town. From there Daniel learnt the basics of carving, and joinery, with an inquisitiveness for what forms he could create using the traditional hand tools. Inspired by the historical architecture in London, he moved to the city to further his practice in wood carving.

Daniel uses traditional hand tools, making work which explores bespoke classical decorations. Since 2001 he has practiced in wood carving and wood working.   His studies at City & Guilds of London Art school in 2019 coincided with developing ideas around the historical buildings and their architectural ornamentation, which furthered his curiosity for developing his skills in this field. Then he began to explore restoration drawn by his interest in the beauty of carved forms made out of both wood and stone, and his interest in the process of recreating, repairing historical carvings, preserving them to their original value. From 2019, he began to make wooden carved sculptures and ornaments using clay modelling, classical drawing, joinery, lettering and gilding.

Daniel Ponde now resides in the heart of Spitalfields, London with his workshop based in one of the A- listed 17th century buildings.

Daniel’s work has been widely commissioned in London, with commissions at the;

Tower of London, Queen Cypher, London (2023); Private commission, 16 century Frame restoration, London (2023); Private commission, Picture Frame restoration, London (2023); The Honourable Society Of The Middle Temple, Crest restoration, London (2023); Yinka Shonibare Collection, African Mask, London (2023); Private commission, Carved Fire place, London (2023); Private commission, small Carved Boat, London (2023); Private Commission. Brancusi Sculpture of Bird in space, London (2023); The Honourable Society Of The Middle Temple, Frame restoration, London (2023); Yinka Shonibare Collection, African Mask, London (2023); Private commission, Coat of arms, London (2022); Private commission,  Carved Brackets, Carved Mouldings and Carved Capitals, London (2022); Yinka Shonibare Collection, African Mask, London (2022); The Worshipful Company Of Fishmongers, Coat of arms for the prime warden, London (2022); The Honourable Society Of The Middle Temple, Coat of arms restoration London (2022).

Daniel’s  awards :

1. The Master Carvers Prize  in 2022,

2. The CITY & Guilds Of London Art School Gilding And Decorative Surfaces Award

3.The De Laszlo Foundation Prize For Wood carving

4. The Joiners & Ceilers Prize 

5. 1st Place Winner In Wood Carving Competition At The London Building Craft College