 |
|
Title: John Townsend: Newport Cabinetmaker (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications)
ISBN: 030010717X
Author:
Morrison H. Heckscher
Publicate Date: 2005-06-10
Publish: 2005-06-10
List Price: $75.00
Average Customer Rating: 5.0
Format: Hardcover
 |
|
|
|
|
Amazon Lowest New Price: $52.74
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $55.00
Amazon Merchant Price: $54.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Customer Review: |
|
1: A Woodworker's perspective
This was originally written for the Washington Woodworkers Guild Newsletter, Sept 2007
This lavishly photographed book is a summary of all the currently known and likely works by John Townsend and his shop in Newport in the late 18th century. It is the catalogue associated with the 2005 exhibit of John Townsend's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2005.
This is not a woodworking book per se. The first portion of the book details the history of Newport, with an emphasis on how it turned into a great cabinetmaking city. The extended family Townsend is then documented, and the links to the Goddards, the other great "name" of Newport cabinetmaking is explained. John Townsend's life is then described in as much detail as is currently available, with some speculation on why and how his furniture is distinguishable from the other major makers in the town. The bulk of the book is photographs of every piece currently known or believed to have been produced by him and his shop, organized by type, and with descriptions differentiating the pieces.
There is some description of technique: 10 pages of the more than 200 in the book are in the section "Observations on John Townsend's Cabinetwork". Most of the book is about the time and place that these masterpieces were created in, and the pieces themselves. As a furniture design, construction, and appreciation aid though the book has major strengths. These include 110 pages of large high quality photos and descriptions of 47 major pieces, including many very similar pieces made over decades. Being able to see the effects of subtle changes in proportion and decoration, and of different wood grains on otherwise similar pieces, is worth the price of the book by itself. There are also many photos of the undersides/backs of pieces, which provide additional understanding of how structural issues in the pieces were managed.
For documentation on technical specifics, more detailed references are required. This book contains no plans, and no exploded drawings. There are references to other sources in this book, though most are of historical rather than a technical nature. This book is appropriate as inspiration, for some technical details, and for the very high quality images that could be used to help make reproductions.
|
2: AMERICAN BEAUTY
Thanks to DuPont, American Federal Furniture is now much appreciated, and is some of the most expensive period furniture in the world. It's hard to fathom, that not long ago this type of furniture was not coveted at all, it was thought too austere and understated, the wealthy in the ninetenth century and early twentieth century wanted all things French, thankfully they finally came to their sences and now this style is considered one of the most beautiful. John Townsend was a master of the style, along with John and Thomas Seymour and Duncan Phyfe. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting his best work and the text is highly informative and the writing scholarly. If you have any appreciation for great craftsmanship or just love American Federal Furniture, then I have no doubt you will love this book.
|
3: Fantastic source for inspiration and humility
This book mirrors the wonderful exhibit of John Townsend's work that was on display at the Metropolitan Museum, and for people like me who make reproductions of Colonial and Early American furniture, it is a source of ideas, inspiration, and goals.
It's also a source for humility. Seeing the work that this man produced without the help of table saws, routers and the other tools of the 21st century is humbling.
The book is definitely worth every penny for those who love the furniture of the period, who enjoy knowing the history behind a particular piece, or who just enjoy seeing objects that are beautifully built with matchless craftsmanship and care.
|
4: Fascinating view of Newport Furinure and Maker
The gulf between appreciation and understanding is immense and while anyone can look upon a John Townsend highboy and see that it is beautiful, understanding the world in which it was built (which was without electric tools), the builder and the technological aspect of cabinetry makes these fine pieces of furniture all the more awe-inspiring. John Townsend, who was a shining star in the rather large furniture industry in New England of which Newport might be considered the capital, is all the more interesting because his pieces and his life have been documented. This work that was produced by the Metropolitan Museum of art is fascinating even if you aren't a connoisseur of fine furniture. It is brilliant, well written and most importantly full of beautiful color photographs of all of the known John Townsend works along with several other masterpieces of 18th century New England furniture.
I don't know whether its best to call this work an art book, a collector's reference or a history book but it serves well in all capacity. As an art book it does an extremely great job of describing in word and image the qualities of a master cabinetmaker. Being a master cabinetmaker was (is) a talent and a skill not unlike being a great painter. The difference is the medium but similarly unique styles are developed skills are honed and a great deal of personality is brought about in each work. As a collectors reference this book shows what makes Newport furniture and furniture of New England unique and also gives a great catalogue of the work that is currently in existence. Finally as a historical account the book does good justice to describing Newport's furniture industry and what made New England the place where Furniture making would reach its American zenith in the mid 18th century.
I am happy to own this book and know that it will be often viewed and re-read. If you are a fan of colonial America or fascinated by early American Furniture you need this book. While it may appear expensive it is an excellent reference a great book for the coffee table or to be gently placed on your Chippendale lowboy.
Ted Murena
|
|
|
|
|
