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Thread: Thomas White Desk

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Overland Park, KS
    Posts
    200

    Thomas White Desk

    All,

    Some of you might know about our Hobbs tradition, meeting once a year to build furniture together with my brothers, my Dad, and me. In 2010, our project was this desk. It has been a long haul, but within the last couple of weeks I actually was able to complete the finish and install the hardware. The desk is a reproduction of an original desk made by Thomas White in Perquimans County, NC, in the 18th century. Since I started this one over two years ago, so it feels GREAT to get it finished.

    Wood, walnut from Irion Lumber in Wellsboro, PA and Bald Cypress from Northeastern NC as the secondary. Wood, aniline dye, shellac, and wax. Hardware from Marshall Brass in England. Photos: Wesley Lewis, Overland Park KS.


    Please let me know if you have comments, critiques, questions, or want to know more about the history of the piece. Thanks, Cal

    Desk front view.jpgDesk oblique view open.jpgInterior components open.jpgcarved foot.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Fort Collins, Colorado
    Posts
    447
    Looks great Calvin!

    Do you each build your own or do you all work on the same piece? How do you decide what piece to build?

    Top notch work!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    87
    Wow, that desk is gorgeous and what a great family tradition you have.

  4. #4
    Gee Calvin, it kind of looks like the one in the American Period Furniture Journal. Seriously though, as usual a truly fine piece with great execution. Are you going to make the midyear at Old Salem in June? Again, congratulations on a stunning desk.
    Dave Anderson

    Chester, NH

  5. #5
    That's spectacular execution! Awsome family tradition as well.

    Gary
    I've only had one...in dog beers.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Athens, Alabama
    Posts
    197
    Beatiful reproduction.

    Regards, Colin
    Where's the beef.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Pasadena CA
    Posts
    713
    EXCEPTIONAL !!!

    What a great project !! Must have been fun working with family
    MARK

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Silver City, New Mexico
    Posts
    67
    Outstanding in every respect! What a sweet project and legacy.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Stony Plain, Alberta
    Posts
    2,702
    That is one sweet piece of furniture..
    Real, real nice work Calvin.
    Thanks for posting a pic of it finished.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Baker City OR
    Posts
    233
    Stunning!

    I can see an awful lot of hours in this build.
    Stan

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    New Hill, NC
    Posts
    2,568
    Absolutely stunning! Gorgeous wood and sublime craftsmanship.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    walnut creek, california
    Posts
    2,347
    looks like an heirloom piece!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Overland Park, KS
    Posts
    200
    Thanks all for the nice comments....

    Scott,

    We each build a separate piece. So in 2009 there were actually 5 of these going on at one time (Dad, me, two brothers, and one good family friend). 3 of them are complete, hopefully 2 more in the future.

    In a way we take turns deciding, although it is a group discussion at the same time. Since 2007 we have built corner cupboards, high chests, armchairs, one year we went touring, and the desk. Actually this week we are at Dad's shop making tall-post turned beds. Good times but a lot of work. Wouldn't trade it for a "normal" vacation that's for sure.

    Dave, good to hear from you. Probably will not make the conference in June, as I will have made 2 trips to NC by then, and will be coming back in July. But I hope you enjoy the talk from the Old Man!

    Thanks, Cal

  14. #14
    What a lovely desk! The carvings on the feet give it a welcoming grace. Thanks for sharing your work with us Calvin.

  15. #15
    Hi Calvin,

    The desk is amazing. I can even imagine the hours you invested in this piece. I'm sure your grandchildren will fight over it.

    Since you asked for critiques, any reason why you didn't stain/ dye the glue blocks behind the legs? Maybe this is a traditional look, but they stand out too much. Really, I'm stretching to find anything but praise.

    Thanks for posting.

    Eric

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