Tarvin History Revealed: Tarvin Wax Studio

34 High St Tarvin in 2026 – Fi Miles

Tarvin Online has recently been contacted by a lady from the US who once visited the village whilst living in the area in the 1980s. She has sent some photographs of two very detailed, pretty, handcrafted wax wall hangings that she bought from the Tarvin Wax studio.  I am a relative newcomer to Tarvin (only 22 years) and had never heard of it, so I did some digging, especially as the shop's owners were neighbours of mine.

Also known as Tarvin wax works; The Tarvin Wax Studio was a small craft business based at 34 High Street, set up by Gisela and Ted Kenyon. The couple set up their studio in 1980, and it became renowned for its unusual handcrafted European-inspired wax sculptures, many of which were made from German wood carvings. The sculptures often featured wood-effect finishes and depicted maternal or religious themes. Most notably, Gisela created a beautiful Madonna from a large wax mould, like the one shown in the image. which she delivered to Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles.

Their Daughter, Cheryl said: 

Mum used to hold classes in the studio as well.  They made religious items; Madonnas, religious icons, nativity scenes; many of them for churches and cathedrals all over the country, and delivered by Mum and Dad. The business took them to so many beautiful places, meeting wonderful people, who remained lifelong friends.  They did the craft market circuit over the years, which were big weekends out, if not weeks.

They both worked long hours.  Mum was very particular and wanted all the wax items to look amazing. When I first saw the craft, I couldn't believe that it wasn't wood!  From small Christmas decorations to large moulded and carved owls that looked like old oak, nothing was out of reach to achieve, and Mum's attention to detail ensured every piece looked its very best.

Sadly, both Gisela and Ted are no longer with us, but it's nice to know that their legacy has not been forgotten, even by people as far away as North Carolina in the United States.

Ed: Who remembers this unusual Business? Does anyone still own a Tarvin Wax Sculpture