Liz Mangles carves rocking horses, hobby horses, carousel horses and other animals as well as decorative items. Her work is characterised by a lively carving style and a spirit of joy and vitality in all her animals.

Liz trained for five years as a rocking horse maker, before moving to the more demanding field of fairground carving. She sculpts English lime wood with traditional tools to create her distinctive lively designs. A love of animals  gives her work a feeling of vitality and movement.

In 1989 she carved 24 large horses for a restored 1884 steam galloper. Since then she has carved many other fairground animals including reindeer, cockerels, sheep (one of which the Countess of Wessex owns), rabbits, dolphins, sea lions and hippocampi.  In 1998 she was featured on Channel 4's "Collector's Lot", making a camel for a stately home in Shropshire.

This website gives examples of Liz's work and shows a number of items that Liz holds in stock for sale such as hobby horses.  To place an order, or to commission a special piece of work from Liz, please contact her directly liz@northdownfarm.co.uk
 

Where to see Liz's work

Liz's work has featured in many exhibitions over the years including The Country Living Fair in 2006 and 2007.

 Her work can be seen at the 303 Gallery at the Yandles in Martock, Somerset,

Monkton Gallery, which has always had a selection of carved wood on show, is now thrilled to have traditionally carved horses by Liz Mangles - work can be commissioned from Liz - the gallery is open from Easter onwards at weekends and Bank Holidays, 10.30am to 5pm.

Liz will be at Buckland Abbey on Sunday 27th April as part of their annual sheep day.

at the Steventon Gallery nr Oxford  (ring to check opening times - 01235 831253)

and at the Somerset Guild Courthouse Gallery in Somerton, Somerset.

Her work is also featured in the November issue of the Woodcarver Magazine and soon to appear in the Craftsman magazine as well.