William Barsley, traditional woodcarver and founder of The Orchard Carving Studio at Dartington Cider Press, is passionate about keeping historic craft skills alive. Fascinated by carving from a young age and making small gifts for family and friends, he began pursuing woodcarving seriously in 2009.

In 2013 he left his 9–5 job with the United Nations in Rome to travel the globe in search of inspiration from master woodcarvers, documenting his journey along the way and echoing the craftsmen of the past who journeyed great distances to gain new skills.

After six months, eleven countries and hundreds of encounters with talented craftsmen, he realised he knew more about the carving traditions of Asia than his own. Determined to reconnect with the UK’s heritage and refine his skills, he enrolled in one of Europe’s leading courses, completing a three-year diploma in Historic Woodcarving and Gilding at the City & Guilds of London Art School.