AN APPEAL has been launched by York’s Fairfax House to save a 17th century sculpture by a woodcarver dubbed The Michelangelo of Wood.

Grinling Gibbons, considered Britain’s greatest decorative woodcarver, becoming royal carver to the King, spent key formative years from 1667 to 1671 in York, perfecting his craft.

His earliest known work is a carved high relief panel depicting a heavenly concert led by King David, playing a harp, ringed by dancing cherubs and accompanied by Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.

“It is the only known sculpture from this master craftsman’s time in York,” said Hannah Phillip, director of Fairfax House,a Georgian town house in Castlegate.

“ The King David panel is an incomparable piece of historical evidence of Gibbons’development as a master carver, sculptor and craftsman.It reveals his remarkable talent in its earliest days when he was little more than 20 years old.”

She said the panel recently went on the international art market and was due to be sold in March, putting it at risk of being lost.

“The art gallery have offered to withdraw it from sale if Fairfax House can raise the necessary funds to acquire it,” she said. “Until now, this artwork has remained hidden in international private collections and this represents the first and only opportunity to secure it for Yorkshire and the nation. “

She said that in order to save the sculpture from international export and sale,’ Fairfax House -owned by York Civic Trust - was launching an urgent major fundraising campaign dubbed Save the King to acquire it for its collection and ensure permanent public access in the place it was created.

“Its location at Fairfax House will bring regional access to those who may not have the opportunity to visit metropolitan-based national institutions.

She said just over £240,000 had been raised so far - £100,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire, £100,000 from the Art Fund and £42,500 from Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.

“A final £60,000 must be raised to save this panel and secure the purchase, and Fairfax House is now going public with its appeal to ask for the nation’s support of this cause.”

Donations can be made online by searching for MyDonate Fairfax House or going to www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/SOSGrinlingGibbonsAppeal, or by cheque payable to Fairfax House Grinling Gibbons Appeal.