CARVING THE THREE FRONT PANELS

 The chest front is built around three carved oak panels, which are the center focus of the chest.  Each panel is designed to stand on its own while also contributing to a single, continuous composition. The layout is drawn so the strapwork lines, curves, and floral elements align from one panel to the next, creating a balanced flow across the entire front. Each panel is carved in sequence, keeping the depth, spacing, and rhythm consistent so the motifs match and the transitions feel natural. This approach reflects the way 17th‑century Ipswich joiners created unified designs that read as one cohesive piece rather than three separate carvings.