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In 1974 I became acquainted with a master craftsman, who at the time was in his mid 70s. He became a mentor and friend who taught me much about the art and science of making furniture. He talked often about the integrity in your work, strict adherence to fundamental craftsmanship, and honoring the wood. “Always design around construction, never construct around design”, was his way of expressing the fact that there exist time honored methods to construct furniture and a certain design should never compromise those methods. Continued below...
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Carved
Cabriole Legs |
Expertly executed dovetail and mortise and tennon joints, and allowances for the wood to “move” with variations in humidity, were the trademarks of craftsmanship preached by Ed Scriven. He encouraged new ideas and the development of personal style, but insisted the secrets to true craftsmanship lie in the study and understanding of the prized heirloom furniture made by past masters. Subsequent visits to museums in Philadelphia, New York, and London, ignited a passion within me for classic period furniture, especially the American Chippendale style. I quickly became a sponge for knowledge and grew to admire and appreciate the furniture of this grand style. The handwork and time required to correctly craft furniture of this particular style furniture is extreme. However, I know of no better way to learn the fundamentals of high-end furniture craftsmanship than through the process of designing and constructing such pieces. For nearly 250 years, American Chippendale furniture has remained the hallmark of craftsmanship and style. Crafting furniture of this style is where my personal woodworking journey began. |
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