Every year, hundreds of period furniture fans and makers gather in Colonial Williamsburg to attend Working Wood in the 18th Century. Fine Woodworking is proud to sponsor the 17th annual gathering of furniture superstars who are slated to focus on 18th-century desk forms.

Throughout the course of the eight-day conference, the staff of the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop will recreate-live on-stage-a gathering of period desks that span the first three quarters of the 18th century.

Three Desks from Start-to-Finish

Bill Pavlak will construct an escritoire originally built by Philadelphia furniture maker Edward Evans in 1707. Of exceptional interest is the fact that this desk is the earliest known signed and dates piece from that city.

Brian Weldy will demonstrate the construction of a quintessential New England form-the block front desk.

Kaare Loftheim will construct a Norfolk desk and bookcase that offers a glimpse of the structural changes more often associated with English shops of the period.

Robert Millard will tackle a Lady’s Tambour Writing Desk attributed to acclaimed furniture makers John and Thomas Seymour.

More Furniture Making Workshops

Tour the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop

Aside from the three core presentations being offered, conference attendees have a wide variety of additional workshops to choose from. Topics will include the casting and engraving of William and Mary hardware, a tool swap, and more. For complete details-and to register-please visit the Colonial Williamsburg website.

Launch Gallery