36 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR: Ann High, Artisan
COURSE: Carved Furniture Construction
PROJECT: Ambry—15th Century Boarded Cupboard with Pierced Tracery
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
There is a great deal of discussion about the correct names for early cupboards. As with early spelling, it was variable! Also known as a dole cupboard, this is in the Gothic style with pierced tracery, showing that it was used for food storage. Originally there would have been fabric, probably linen, nailed behind the openings to keep out the flies. It would look good in an early house or as an antique in any period. This design is based on some of the 14 examples at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, England. This is the largest collection of dole cupboards in the world. They rarely survived as they were placed outside containing leftover food for passing traders and estate workers.
The original was made of English oak in about 1450. Students, however, will be using steamed pear wood
that has a finer grain more suitable for detailed carving
in miniature and will stain to simulate oak. It has two
shelves and measures approximately 3½" high x 3½"
wide x 1¼" deep.
After cutting out and preparing the pieces using a table saw and scroll saw, students will learn how to mark out their design, choosing from the variations provided, to suit differing abilities. Carving the pierced panels will be done in easy-to-follow stages. After staining and assembling the cupboard students will learn how to make and insert the pegs that were part of the construction process. Then they will learn how to put on the butterfly hinges and a tiny wooden latch without too much bad language! The fine, natural finish will be achieved using more up-to-date methods than rubbing with fish skin.
TIME:
36 hours. Completion likely.
POWER TOOLS:
table saw, scroll saw, drill press, moto tool or flexshaft
SKILL LEVEL:
All levels. Good hand eye co-ordination is an advantage. For the carving, the main tool needed will be a Swann-Morton # 3 scalpel handle. The blades will be provided. Students should bring their own magnification aids, if needed.
MATERIALS FEE:
$70 to be collected at school