An 8-Foot Viking Walks Into A WoodShop...
He doesn’t walk in so much as arrive by specialized art movers and a carefully coordinated plan for moving something that weighs over 700 pounds.
An 8-foot solid white oak Viking statue, which we affectionately nicknamed Odin Oakenshield, came to us in need of significant restoration after years of outdoor exposure and damage from a powder post beetle infestation. The existing structure had developed cracks that required stabilization, and the leg and base had been completely destroyed.
Because of its size, weight, and condition, the sculpture had to be carefully transported to and from our shop by specialized art movers, with guidance and referral support from the Memorial Art Gallery.
Our friend had to undergo a thorough debugging before we could expose him to our workshop. Once in the shop, the challenge shifted from transport to access. A custom gantry system was built to safely suspend the figure in a standing position, allowing the work to proceed in a way that respected both its scale and structural condition.
Restoration work included sourcing an appropriately sized white oak log to recreate the base, foot, and leg, hand-carving replacement sections to match the original figure, installing concealed steel reinforcement for long-term structural stability, and repairing cracks that could trap water and accelerate deterioration. The final finish was carefully matched to the original, allowing the repairs to disappear seamlessly into the work while providing long-term protection from sun exposure and the elements.
The goal was simple: preserve the character of the sculpture, make the restoration invisible, and ensure it could be enjoyed for generations to come.
We miss Odin around the shop. Not something we say often about a 700-pound Viking, but he did grow on us. We’re glad he is back home.
