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Woodworking Tips from Gregory Paolini |
| Information, Tips, and Know-how for woodworking Enthusiasts |
What is the "Real" Arts & Crafts Style?
by Gregory Paolini
| There are a lot of terms thrown around to describe the furniture and goods that were created circa 1900 – An era commonly referred to as the Arts & Crafts period. | ||
| “Arts & Crafts” is not really a style, but rather a philosophy shared by many of the makers during that era. The period, inspired by a revolt against shoddy machine made goods, focused on the Artful nature, and Craftsmanship of the individual. So technically, there is no one true Arts & Crafts style, but rather a handful of varying styles, rooted in a common philosophy. | ||
| A news reporter, who saw some of the heavy rectilinear furniture made by Stickley, said the pieces reminded him of the furniture he saw in South Western “Missions”. America embraced the furniture, and the descriptor, even to present day. By the way, did you know there were five different Stickleys, all making furniture at that time? |
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| “Craftsman”, is a name for a very particular line of furniture designed by renown Gustav Stickley. It was essentially a brand name, and technically only applies to that small segment of Gustav’s furniture. |
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| The term “Prairie” is often used to describe the low and long designs made popular by Frank Lloyd Wright, and his mid-western influenced architecture. |
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| “Greene & Greene”, popular on the West Coast, is the name given to the designs of architect brothers Charles and Henry Greene. Their designs show a strong Asian influence, and are usually made in Mahogany, with Ebony accents, although examples in Oak, Ash, and other species have been found. |
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| Other important names to know in Arts and Crafts history are John Ruskin, William Morris, Roycroft, Elbert Hubbard, Earnest and Sidney Barnsley, Josef Hoffman, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Charles Limbert, Charles Rohlfs, and of course, Gregory Paolini. | ||
| Now let's make sawdust!
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| For your safety: Woodworking is inherently dangerous. Failure to use power or hand tools properly can cause permanent injury or even death! The information provided here is not a substitute for formal instruction or education. Do not try anything you learn here unless you are absolutely certain it is safe for you to do so. If there is an aspect of woodworking you are uncomfortable with, do not do it! Be sure to read any and all manuals and safety instructions which come with your tools, and always wear appropriate safety equipment. |