Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Apr 21, 2008 05:22am | #1

   Alan Breed has a set of plans for a six shell secretary. He also has some castings of shells to help with the carving. Most cabinetmakers, that are up to the task of such a piece, would not need a set of plans. Much of the work would be based on full scale layouts. You would want to see original works, take lots of pictures and do extensive research. The Yale University art gallery is one well known source, I don't know if they have a Newport secretary. You can visit and take measurements as well as use their library resources. Winterthur has some examples as well as an extensive library. You won't be able to take measurements or touch the pieces, there. You may be able to make an appointment with an expert to aid in your study.

   http://www.allanbreed.com/order_form.cfm

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

   
1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 21, 2008 09:27pm | #2

   There is only one 9-shell secretary, and I think it's still at the Rhode Island Historical Society museum, apparently with donations fending off a proposed sale.  Apparently it isn't even a Newport piece, with current attributions placing it as being made in Providence. 

   I do tend to agree with you that if you can build it you shouldn't need more than good photo's of the details, overall dimensions, some knowledge of the internal construction practices of the region or the individual cabinet maker.  This piece in particular has some challenges, but at least the interior is very simple--surprisingly so.   You may very well want to have plans, but they should be drawn by the person making the piece.  That's how a lot of the construction issues get resolved before wasting wood. 

   I do believe Yale has a Newport piece or two, though I haven't really explored which they are.