Preserving Craftsmanship: Contemporary Litchfield County Furniture Makers
Litchfield History Museum
Litchfield, CT
April 13, 2007-November 26, 2007
In a display of the rich furniture making tradition of Litchfield County Connecticut, the work of fifteen area makers is being shown at the Litchfield History Museum. Ten years ago, the Historical Society hosted A Continuing Tradition: Litchfield County Craftsmanship Today. The current exhibit allows the museum to illustrate the progression of work from some of the same furniture makers showcased previously as well as display pieces from new craftsman in the area.
Litchfield County Connecticut has maintained a long tradition of furniture design and production dating back to the 18th century. Craftsman like Silas Cheney, Joseph Adams, Bates How and George Dewey established shops in the region after the Revolutionary War and advertised their wares in local papers. The prominence of the trade to the area continued in the mid to late 19th century with the operation of the Hitchcock Chair Company. Today, Litchfield County continues to host a thriving population of furniture craftsmen.
The exhibitors include:
-Jean BouteillerPatrick Griffin, owner Griffin Woodworks
-Daniel Gugnoni, owner Troy Brook Visions, Inc.
-Laurence Hendricks, owner Pinnacle Design
-Ian Ingersoll, owner Ian Ingersoll Cabinetmakers
-John LaGattuta, owner of Northwest Corner Woodworks
-Guy Livolsi, owner Livolsi Woodworks
-Woody Mosch, owner Woody Mosch Cabinetmaker
-Walter Pascoe, owner M2 Company
-Andrew Peklo III, owner Peklo Design & Joinery
-Wesley H. Quigley III, owner WHQ Woodworks
-Tommy Simpson
-James Schriber, owner James Schriber Furniture
-Barry Strom
-Clint Thorn, owner The Open Talon
The styles of these furniture makers range from Shaker to traditional late 18th and early 19th century aesthetics to contemporary twists on more traditional forms. The goal of the exhibition is not only to illustrate the continued prominence of furniture craftsman in the region but also to illustrate the wide array of styles and techniques employed by the individuals working in the industry.
This year will mark the first of three years of exhibitions surrounding the traditions of furniture making in Litchfield County Connecticut. In 2008, the Historical Society will open a new two year exhibition on Litchfield County furniture produced from 1770-1810. This exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog and symposium on the topic. The Historical Society plans to borrow a number of pieces from other institutions as well as private owners. Many of the pieces will rotate over the two year exhibition period encouraging visitors to return to the museum both years.
Preserving Craftsmanship: Contemporary Litchfield County Furniture Makers will remain open through November 26, 2007. The Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759. The Museum is open mid-April through November, Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to both the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House & Law School is as follows: Adults – $5, Members Children under 14 and Law Students- Free, Seniors and Students – $3. For more information go to www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/museum.html or call 860-567-4501.
Image Credits~
TOP
Cabinet
Tommy Simpson
BOTTOM
Chair and Ottoman
James Schriber