The extensive probate inventory of the joiner Charles Plumley (d. 1708, Philadelphia) is well known to furniture historians. A transcription can be found in Benno M. Forman, American Seating Furniture, 1630–1730 [New York: W. W. Norton, 1988], app. 1. He was in the middle of his career when he died and the inventory is a snapshot of a working … Continue reading To a “Dott bitt”
Lines and Dots
A spice box with line and dot inlay sold recently at a local auction. Spice Box sold at Pook and Pook, September 30, 2021 Top of the Spice box in the previous image. Various regions in Southeastern Pennsylvania have traditions of inlaying furniture with a combination of lightwood stringing and round elements. (Often called “berries” … Continue reading Lines and Dots
John Folwell and David Rittenhouse
There are several digitized versions of Thomas Chippendale's Director available on the internet. I came across one I had not seen before before while doing research for the talk I gave on October 9th 2021 at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors annual symposium. What surprised and delighted me about the edition I … Continue reading John Folwell and David Rittenhouse
Elfreth’s Alley Museum Podcast
The Elfreth’s Alley Museum began a series of podcasts in 2020. The 2021 season is now underway. The most recent episode, Cabinetmakers, explores the history of woodworking in Philadelphia from the founding of the city in 1682 to the present day. I was delighted to be asked to participate in this episode. Ted Maust and … Continue reading Elfreth’s Alley Museum Podcast
Please, Please, Please, Philadelphia
Please, Please, Please, Philadelphia is a free Zoom event from the Center for Art and Wood. I'm looking forward to participating on the panel with John Lutz, General Manager of George Nakashima Woodworkers, and Emily Zilber, the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at the Wharton Esherick Museum. You can RSVP here. Philadelphia College … Continue reading Please, Please, Please, Philadelphia
In Proportion to the Trouble 