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

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Chuck Bender

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.

Posted in Connoisseurship, Techniques | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Mr. Hogarth comes to town.

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Chuck Bender

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 →

Posted in Connoisseurship, furniture design | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Connoisseurship Fundamentals 1

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Chuck Bender

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.

Posted in Connoisseurship | Tagged , | 9 Comments

The ground work

Posted on June 5, 2008 by Chuck Bender

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 →

Posted in Connoisseurship | 10 Comments