The cabinet maker in colonial times fashioned fine furniture for those who could afford it. He tested and seasoned wood to see how it would react to the cold of winter and the humidity of a Virginia summer. Wood that warped or bent was of no use and would no longer be purchased.
He made chairs, tables, and desks, often taking hundreds of hours to finish one project. Fine wood was used for the visible surfaces to provide a clean and polished look while lesser woods became the bottoms of desk drawers and other less celebrated parts.
Interestingly, his shop straddles a stream that runs through town. Look carefully at the second photo and you can see how the foundation is set to lift the wing nearest the flag over the stream.
Lovely desk. What skill it took then to craft a work of art. Cathy
ReplyDeleteThis shop is just up the lane from the Gaol, right?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could afford those handmade furniture..They are always special and unique!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how one item could take so long to make.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is a woodworker and I love antique wooden furniture! My wife would have had to drag me out of that guy's workshop!
ReplyDeleteInteresting design of house to straddle the stream! That roll-top desk is lovely!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I love handmade furniture, it's so beautiful. I remember my dad made us kids a bunkbed when we were little and I still miss it! ;D
ReplyDeleteI admire that kind of craftsmanship. I have noticed on an antique family piece that wood not meant to be seen is much rougher than the visible parts.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure much pride went into all of the work too! I like the simplicity of the sign.
ReplyDeleteLooks like somebody thought the building of that wing through.
ReplyDeleteThe old skills are so important...
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