Cheshire chainsaw sculptor carves on Alan Titchmarsh TV show

Gifted Andy Burgess dices with danger every day doing a job he loves. He recently completed a bespoke sculpture for Eternal Paws, a pet crematorium in Lymm.

Legendary horticulturalist Alan Titchmarsh invited the professional chainsaw wood sculptor to appear on his Love Your Weekend TV programme.

It is the second time the Cheshire craftsman has demonstrated his incredible skill on the ITV show.

“Last time I made an owl,” said Andy, 48, from Mobberley.

“This time they wanted me to do something different.”

Andy Burgess and Alan Titchmarsh with the red kite (Image: ITV and Penny Lane Entertainment)

The broadcaster first met Andy at Hampton Court Flower Show four years ago, and bought a barn owl he had sculpted.

Andy said: “Alan has a deep love of things made out of wood, reusing what would otherwise be disposed of.

“He took the owl to his holiday home on the Isle of Wight where it sits on the beach.”

Andy Burgess carving a red kite on Love Your Weekend TV show with Alan Titchmarsh (Image: ITV and Penny Lane Entertainment)

A passion for nature inspired self-taught Andy to become a wood artist 14 years ago.

“You get absorbed,” said Andy, who was introduced to the craft by brother Tim, also a full-time chainsaw wood sculptor.

“I love it. I could never work in an office. I like being outside getting covered in sawdust.”

Andy transforms windblown, diseased and fallen trees into works of art.

Every single carving is unique.

Andy Burgess and Alan Titchmarsh with some of the carved owls (Image: ITV and Penny Lane Entertainment)

Working with chainsaws and power tools is hazardous and demands physical strength and mental concentration.

“I have to be very careful,” said Andy, who has carved countless intricate animals from foxes and bears to stags, eagles and dogs.

TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh has a go at wood sculpting under the careful supervision of Andy Burgess (Image: ITV and Penny Lane Entertainment)

“It is a very dangerous job. You have to be mindful you don’t make a mistake.

“You’re working to millimetre precision when you’re carving the beak of a bird of prey. One move and you could ruin a sculpture.”

Standing up all day holding a heavy chainsaw is also physically demanding.

Some sculptures he creates can be 10 feet high.

Andy said: “I have to climb up scaffolding with all my tools, carve the sculpture, finish it off, tidy up and make the place spotless.

“I have to keep fit and look after my body.”

TV viewers inundated him with more than 80 enquiries within days of the show being broadcast.

“I had a great response,” said Andy. “I’m already taking bookings for winter but this job isn’t something that can be churned out.

“You’ve got to put the same amount of love into each commission.”

Andy recently completed a bespoke sculpture for Eternal Paws, a pet crematorium in Lymm.

Owner, vet Dr Anita Bhanja asked Andy to carve a life-sized angel based on a small jade ornament, that fits into the palm of your hand.

Andy Burgess was asked to carve a life-sized sculpture to replicate this small jade ornament (Image: Andy Burgess)

“It was a one off niche carving,” said Andy. ”I have never made anything like this before and may never do it again.

“It was made from a single piece of cedar.

Andy Burgess carved this angel at Eternal Paws pet crematorium, a spiritual place for pets (Image: Andy Burgess)

“Removing wood with a chain saw to reveal a shape is very rewarding.

“I love the fact that a lump of wood I turn into an animal, such as a fox, will last for years if it is well looked after.”

Andy is looking forward to showcasing his work for the 15th time at the RHS Tatton Flower Show this summer.