Woodworker: Philip C. Lowe

Over the years, Lowe has had the opportunity to restore a number of original works by renowned Federalist architect and carver Samuel McIntire—waxing, polishing, and repairing them for exhibits. But this chair is a complete reproduction, one of six Lowe made for the Peabody Essex Museum’s celebration of McIntire’s 250th birthday. His six Santo Domingo mahogany chairs, plus two originals, will sit together in the Peirce-Nichols House, a National Historic Landmark in Salem, Mass., designed by McIntire.

Working from one of the originals, Lowe made full-size drawings and spent about eight months constructing seven chairs (he made an extra as backup). Lowe says the challenges were the seamless arm-to-leg joinery and the tiny rosettes along the bottom back rail. The latter were so small (1-1/8 in. sq.), he had to resort to magnification. The finish is antiqued shellac.

From Fine Woodworking #198

Launch Gallery