Daniel Ponde is widely acclaimed for his historical wood carving and restoration. He 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.