Portfolio: W. A. Keyser
Bill Keyser became known for his experiments with construction techniques; notably steam-bending, coopering, the lapstrake approach of the boat builder, and the plywood-skin-over-curved-ribs of the airplane wing.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Bill Keyser, 42 , is professor of woodworking and furniture design at the School for American Craftsmen, Rochester (N.Y.) Institute of Technology. Over the past 16 years, Keyser has become known for his experiments with construction techniques for achieving curved forms, notably steam-bending (Fine Woodworking, Fall 1977 , pp. 40-45), coopering, the lapstrake approach of the boat builder, and the plywood-skin-over-curved-ribs of the airplane wing. Besides furniture for homes and offices, Keyser has also designed and built furnishings for a number of contemporary churches of various denominations.
He explained that one of his first commissions was for a set of candlesticks for a seminary chapel. “The priest responsible for the commission has since recommended me to several of his fellow clergy. I’ve also been fortunate through the years to work with several architects who have regularly built or renovated churches. Somehow one job leads to another.”
Last fall, RIT’s Bevier Gallery organized a one-man retrospective exhibition of Keyser’s work. The 85 pieces on display included portions of altar groupings lent by ten churches—a rare opportunity to see so much liturgical furniture in one place. We decided to emphasize the church work when selecting these photographs, and asked Keyser to concentrate on it in his remarks for the photo captions.
From Fine Woodworking #15
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