Colonial Williamsburg’s Working Wood in the 18th Century Conference January 26 – 29, 2023 is registering now
Colonial Williamsburg’s
25th Annual Working Wood in the 18th Century:
A Very Good Effect: Ornamenting 18th Century Woodwork
January 26-29, 2023
Virtual & In-Person Options Available!
Virtual-Only Registration: $175
In-Person Registration: $395
Register by October 28 for a $25 discount off your registration fee!
In-person registrants can add-on special, limited-capacity pre-conference activities, as well as purchase conference ‘swag’ such as hats and shirts. Companions of In-person registrants also can purchase tickets to participate in special, limited-capacity programs offered throughout the conference, as well as tickets to the Opening Reception (Thursday evening) and Conference Dinner (Saturday evening).
Working Wood in the 18th Century celebrates its 25th year with a flourish of ornament and a gathering of craftspeople and scholars. Whether adorned with carving, inlay, marquetry or japanning, period woodwork draws much of its enduring appeal from thoughtfully designed and well executed ornament. Join Colonial Williamsburg staff and special guest presenters Brock Jobe, Mary May, Frank Strazza and Jerome Bias for an exploration of the techniques, people and stories behind this decorative splendor.
Speakers include: Professor and prolific author Brock Jobe will take us on a tour of 18th-Century Cabinet Shops in London, Boston and Philadelphia during his Opening Keynote, generously sponsored by the Early American Industries Association.
Mary May, professional woodcarver, will demonstrate various techniques using the Carved Details on the Pediment of a Philadelphia High Chest, as well as delivering the Banquet Keynote Address. Traditional fine furniture maker Frank Strazza will put his nationally recognized award-winning skills and knowledge on display as he presents Recreating Eighteenth Century Marquetry. Author and largely self-taught woodworker Jerome Bias will explore furniture design by Thomas Day, an antebellum free black man who is often regarded as the most successful cabinetmaker in North Carolina. This program is generously sponsored by the Society of American Period Furniture Makers.
Colonial Williamsburg’s Anthony Hay Shop Cabinetmakers, Bill Pavlak (master cabinetmaker) and John Peeler (apprentice cabinetmaker) will put their skills on display during Sweld Fronts: Sculpting a Rhode Island Bureau Table. Brian Weldy, Journeyman-Supervisor Joiner at the Colonial Williamsburg Joiner Shop will square up on stage with Joiner’s Work: Constructing Fluted Pilasters, generously underwritten by North Bennet Street School. Apprentice Joiner Peter Hudson will explore the tools and techniques used to construct a paneled portico originally owned by Francis Lightfoot Lee of Warsaw, Virginia. Furniture Conservator at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Chris Swan, will lecture on The Art and Science of Japanning. Colonial Williamsburg Apprentice Carpenter Harold Caldwell willdemonstrate African Inspired Carvings.Tara Chicirda, curator of furniture at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, will present Rife with Inlay: The inlay and marquetry of a southwest Virginia maker.
For additional information, including the full program agenda, pre-conference and companion options or to register, please CLICK HERE. Or contact us: educationalconferences@cwf.org or 1-800-603-0948
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