James Bacon Addis (1829-1889) was the younger brother, by 18 years, of Samuel Joseph Addis. He was a third generation carving tool maker – his father, Joseph James Addis (1792-1858), was master to his older brother and his grandfather, Samuel Bayton Addis (1768-1832), had worked in the trade since the 1780s. He might have been … Continue reading James Bacon Addis, Prize Medal Carving Tools
Carving
The Addis Family, the Herring Brothers, and Ward & Payne
If you’re a carver, woodworker, or interested in the history of edge-tools you will recognize some or all of the names in the title of this post. “ADDIS” in one form or another was imprinted on edge-tools produced in England, primarily woodcarving tools, for well over a century. Many of the carving tools made by … Continue reading The Addis Family, the Herring Brothers, and Ward & Payne
Daniel Jackson’s Unicorn Rocker
There is presently a rare opportunity to see the work of Daniel Kemper Jackson (October 18, 1938- August 3, 1995) in person. Dan’s Rocking Unicorn is on currently on display at the Moderne Gallery, 111 North Third Street, Philadelphia. A public viewing has not been possible since its creation in 1974. It was a private … Continue reading Daniel Jackson’s Unicorn Rocker
Urn and Flowers Cartouche
This urn and flowers cartouche from a chest on chest was carved in Philadelphia c.1775. The chest was sold at Sotheby's in 2008. These photos were made during the auction preview. I've recently been teaching classes on carving a basket and flowers cartouche. The flowers, carved from a separate block of wood, were identical in … Continue reading Urn and Flowers Cartouche
Strawberry Mansion Clock and Case
In 2011 the administrators of Strawberry Mansion, a historic house open the public about a mile north of Mount Pleasant in East Fairmount Park, sold a clock at auction they deemed inconsistent with their furnishing plan. I had the chance to photograph the clock before the auction.
In Proportion to the Trouble 