Latest destination artwork arrives on the Viking Way. Woodhall Spa gets carved up by Xtreme Chainsaw artist Simon Bogg
Visitors to Woodhall Spa will now find something new on the Viking Way: a hand‑carved bench created by premier local chainsaw artist Simon Bogg.
Simon, who is the man behind Xtreme Chainsaw in Louth, is an exceptional worker of wood whose bespoke creations of all shapes and sizes is usually tucked away in private commissions but once seen, is rarely forgotten.
This time though, his craft is out in the open for everyone to enjoy – and the best bit is that the Woodhall bench is the first in a special run of five commemorative, specialist and practical works of art designed specifically for the areas on the Viking Way in its 50th anniversary year.
Simon runs Xtreme Chainsaw, a business he’s taken from a bet with his mum (she wagered that he couldn't make a mushroom) and turned into a full‑time career. You could say that he carved out the success he now enjoys by producing the standard of work it’s hard to find anywhere in the country. He started out as a joiner, moved through the construction trade, and eventually found himself carving with a chainsaw. As he puts it: “The business that started out as a bet has developed into something that’s gone from strength to strength. It’s now my full‑time job.”
Simon’s been carving for around 30 years, with the last 20 spent doing it full time. Most of his work is private, which means the public rarely gets to see it. “It’s a strange industry,” he adds: “There’s a lot of chainsaw carving out there, but most of it never reaches the public eye. We’ve always kept ourselves to ourselves previously, letting the work speak for itself and the vast majority of our work is private commission work.”
At first, when the chance came up to tender for the Viking Way bench project, Simon wasn’t sure it was his niche - but the theme or the destination pieces really caught his attention. “I’m very into Vikings, believe it or not,” he said. “The whole ethos behind it just rang out to me. To be honest, we thought we wouldn’t win it, but it felt like something we had to try for.” To his surprise, Xtreme Chainsaw won the commission and the work could get underway, albeit with a very short deadline for the first bench.
He added: “With commitments for works already underway and the various work that was then carried out with a Viking expert and the LCC Viking Way team about what should be included, it all really focused us on September 5 so that the bench was ready for what is the actual 50thanniversary day.
“It was some pressure on the work, but it was fine. In total the bench took about 45 hours of work to complete over a weekend - plus installation - but I’m happy with the end result.”
Craft natural
Simon talks about his work in a matter‑of‑fact way, as if it’s no different from any other job. “I get up, get in the van, go to the yard, pick a chainsaw up and make things,” he said. “I don’t see it like other people see it. I make an elephant, or a rhinoceros, or an owl - or in this case Viking‑themed things - it comes natural.”
He laughs about the reactions he gets from people: “Someone will tell me their computer blew up or they were stuck in traffic, and they’ll ask what I did today. I’ll say, ‘I made an elephant,’ or some other random animal or structural thing. It’s just what I do every day.”
The Woodhall Spa bench
The bench at Woodhall Spa uses three types of wood: oak, chestnut and elm. Each was chosen for a reason.
The oak forms the local landmark tower replica at one end – the strong localised influence that will be replicated where possible in benches to come. “Oak straight away grabbed me for that,” Simon said. “Strong, dominant.”
Chestnut forms the seat part of the bench: “It withstands splitting and cracking really well, so it’s a safe thing to use for people to sit on,” he explained: “It also takes engraving nicely, making it ideal for the Viking Way’s 50‑year marking that’s cut into the seat part and the Viking rune lettering on the side which says Woodhall Spa.”
Elm is used for the carved tree - a representation of Yggdrasil, the tree of the nine realms. “We very rarely get elm to use since Dutch elm disease,” he said. “I love elm. It’s beautiful. Stunning colours and for Yggdrasil, which is always depicted as a gnarly, ancient, wise old tree, elm just fits. It’s really cool.”
It’s a lot of work to cram into those 45 hours it took to carve necessary to hit the specific deadline. “People are often surprised how quick we can turn these out,” he said. “I’ve got no patience. The minute I start something, I want to see it finished. So for me, it’s a brilliant process because it’s quick.”
Four more to go
This bench is the first of five being created for the Viking Way’s 50th anniversary. Simon is already itching to get on with the rest. “I can’t wait,” he said. “Since we were officially given the go‑ahead, all I’ve wanted to do is work on these benches.”
His partner Adele, who runs the business side of things, has been keeping him on track with other jobs — but the Viking Way project is clearly the one that’s captured his imagination. “I’m interested in the Vikings and everything behind it,” he said. “Producing each bench and getting it historically correct is really interesting.”
He sees the project as something that will last as a fitting legacy for the route itself and walkers of all levels who use it.
“It’s a fantastic project, full stop,” Simon adds. “Great for Lincolnshire, great for the Viking Way and great for anyone who wants to see some bespoke art up close and then take the weight off for a while. All round, it’s just brilliant.”