“The history of the John Grass Wood Turning Company points out the great changes that have taken place in the manufacturing process over the past century and a half. The fact that the structure and machinery are in essentially the same place and condition as when the firm was founded is remarkable. Both the skill … Continue reading John Grass Wood Turning Company Lament
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
Secondary Wood Species Part 2
In the previous post I characterized and illustrated the species that comprise the majority of the secondary woods encountered in Delaware River Valley furniture made before 1740 – white oak, Atlantic white cedar, and the hard pines. Another hardwood can be found used as a secondary wood in eighteenth century Delaware River Valley furniture more … Continue reading Secondary Wood Species Part 2
Secondary Wood Species, Part 1
The joiners who immigrated to the Delaware River Valley in the last quarter of the seventeenth and the first quarter of the eighteenth centuries, and the American-born joiners they trained, had a choice of timbers to use for secondary elements in their furniture. In Britain, the hardwood white oak (Quercus alba) and two softwoods, Red … Continue reading Secondary Wood Species, Part 1
“The Joiners say, that among the trees of this country they chiefly use the black walnut-trees…” Peter Kalm
“The Joiners say, that among the trees of this country they chiefly use the black walnut-trees, the wild cherry-trees, and the curled maple. Of the black walnut-trees (Juglans nigra) there is yet a sufficient quantity. However careless people take pains enough to destroy them, and some peasants even use them as fewel. The wood of … Continue reading “The Joiners say, that among the trees of this country they chiefly use the black walnut-trees…” Peter Kalm
In Proportion to the Trouble 