Windsor Chair Makers
They are made out of variety of woods.
Windsor chair makers. All chairs are handmade one at a time using hand tools and following the traditional construction techniques and tools of the originals. First introduced around 1790 the continuous bow windsor was produced primarily by new york and new england chairmakers. Traditionally the legs and uprights were usually turned on a pole lathe. Making a chair is i think for most woodworkers a major benchmark for progression in their craft and something i think every woodworker should try at least once.
Beginning around the turn of the 19th century furniture makers began turning out separate components spindles legs etc. With hundreds of illustrations by the author the process is clearly depicted for both new and experienced makers. One of my fully assembled windsor chairs. Windsor chairs are perfect as kitchen chairs or dining room chairs.
The chairs shown here were inspired by the best new york and new england examples with a somewhat wider 19 seat than the originals. A windsor chair is a chair built with a solid wooden seat into which the chair back and legs are round tenoned or pushed into drilled holes in contrast to standard chairs whose back legs and back uprights are continuous the seats of windsor chairs were often carved into a shallow dish or saddle shape for comfort. Additional commissions for monticello have been fulfilled including square back settees for the dome room and jefferson designed settees for the exterior terraces. Ever since he has been refining his craft by the teachings of several top makers reading books studying antiques and discussing windsor chairs with other makers whenever possible.
We can also custom design a new bed style to meet your specific needs. We make our beds in any size from twin to king. The continuous arm is mortised and pinned in place ready for final tweaks before finishing. Chairmaker s notebook is a comprehensive instructional on making windsor chairs.
Because the parts were interchangeable they could easily be sold and shipped for assembly by local craftsmen around the country. Windsor chairmakers offers six different handmade bed styles from which to chose. All of the windsor chairs we offer are built with a focus on quality construction and finish. The windsor chair may have been the first mass produced style in the united states.
Mark soukup made twenty eight double bowed windsor chairs for monticello s main entrance hall reproducing the original chairs listed in jefferson s 1801 records. Staying true to the originals green woodworking processes yields a strong and long lasting chair capable of multi generational use.