Category Archives: Connoisseurship

This category will house posts concerning all the things that go into a making a masterpiece. If you’ve ever wondered what makes one piece of furniture considered “museum quality” while another is not, then this is the place for you. Let’s explore the details of “good”, “better” and “best”.

The rule is the joint

Having Matt Bickford teaching here in my shop last week, and hosting a meeting for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers, got me to thinking a lot about making things with molding planes.

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Mr. Hogarth comes to town.

As I make the shift from primarily making pieces for people to mentoring woodworkers I find myself examining subjects from a whole new perspective. I’d like to take some time to talk to you today about a subject that is … Continue reading

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Connoisseurship Fundamentals 1

When I talk about furniture connoisseurship, I’m basically talking about three or four aspects of a piece that make it what it is. If I try to categorize these aspects they break down into design, craftsmanship, materials and finish.

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The ground work

Today I’m going to start a whole new project. The education of the masses on what makes one piece of furniture better than another. Sure, we woodworkers would probably look at the construction techniques or the refinement of the carving … Continue reading

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