Presenting 10 projects -- from shaping the surface through layout to rough carving and detailed carving -- this guide explains the process of carving authentic motifs found on the most treasured pieces of 18th-century American furniture. Written with a two-pronged approach, the book first emphasises that these are learned skills and offers guidance while, secondly, providing all the complex details that serious carvers need to reproduce each element with confidence. Selected for their importance and popularity on museum-quality pieces, projects include the cabriole leg, Philadelphia-style ball and claw foot, carved foliage on knee, Philadelphia rosette, and Newport flame finial, among others.

The carved embellishments found on eighteenth-century American furniture pieces are what make them memorable works of art. This book directs the serious student through nine authentic elements from the colonial period. Each chapter is devoted to one element and provides pattern drawings, detailed instructions, and abundant photographs of every step. Learn how to execute the entire process from sculpting the surface to layout, roughing in the shapes and levels, and finally carving the details. The selected projects are chosen from historically important eighteenth-century furniture and adorned some of the best pieces ever made. Although the book tackles advanced topics, the instruction is logical and complete so that the serious reader, independent of skill, can successfully work through the steps.

The history and construction of 18th century American furniture is examined in this critical evaluation that looks at the topic both from an aesthetic and technical point of view

Rev. ed. of: The new fine points of furniture.1993.

Step-by-step instructions, illustrations for constructing handsome, useful pieces, among them a Sheraton desk, Chippendale chair, Spanish desk, Queen Anne table, and a William and Mary dressing mirror.

This book presents new information on the export trade, patronage, artistic collaboration, and the small-scale shop traditions that defined early Rhode Island craftsmanship. This stunning volume features more than 200 illustrations of beautifully constructed and carved objects—including chairs, high chests, bureau tables, and clocks—that demonstrate the superb workmanship and artistic skill of the state’s furniture makers.

This publication documents The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of early colonial furniture and presents a broad spectrum of furniture forms made in America during the 17th and early 18th centuries, including chairs and other seating, tables, boxes, various types of chests and cupboards, dressing tables, and desks. The volume also includes prime examples of the different modes of ornamentation in fashion during that period. Over 140 objects are thoroughly described, with detailed information given on each one's construction, condition, dimensions, materials, and inscriptions and other marks, as well as provenance and exhibition history. Every object is explained in terms of the styles and craftsmanship of the period and evaluated in light of comparative pieces in public and private collections throughout the country. Also included is one appendix containing photographic details of construction and decorative elements, and another with line drawings explaining furniture terms and showing various types of joints and moldings. This is the first volume in a series of two that is dedicated to American furniture in the Museum. -- Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

"American Furniture, 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art show early American furniture participated in an international visual language. This volume provides an important resource for scholars of American furniture, illuminates the cultural and mercantile life of the fledgling nation, and offers a lively introduction to the donors, curators, and personalities who have shaped the institution from its earliest days to the present"--

Making Classic Chairs is a title by Fox Chapel Publishing

Build the Classic Furniture of Your Dreams If you're a woodworker, it's a good bet that you have admired certain examples of classic furniture. What furniture maker hasn't entertained the thought of building a tall clock, a chest-on-chest, or a secretary? Who hasn't stood in front of a highboy or a blockfront chest and thought, "I wish I could build that!" Well now you can! In this book and DVD, you'll find five exquisite examples of classic American furniture that you'll be able to call your own. These beautiful pieces incorporate time-honored joinery, graceful proportions, and eye-catching details. And there's no need to feel daunted by the challenge of making them. Hundreds of photographs take you through the building steps, while carefully rendered drawings and cutlists take the mystery and math out of the work. The accompanying DVD - a treasure trove in itself - includes full-size plans and in-depth instruction on shaping cabriole legs, mitering sticking, and other techniques you'll be able to add to your arsenal of skills.