Woodworker: Richard Oedel

This Sheraton-style secretary was crafted by North Bennet Street alumnus Richard Oedel and displayed in an exhibit at the Boston Athenaeum. It features curved glass dividers, a tambour desk section, and a foldout writing surface. Making the doors was a time-consuming task, but the elegant and graceful dividers, called muntins, elevate the piece. Oedel used a template that acted as a jig when cutting and assembling the ribs. It also served as a guide when attaching the muntin faces; and then was used to tie the muntins into the door frame. Oedel built the secretary using mahogany, bird’s-eye maple, ebony, holly, and makore. The finish is linseed oil and shellac.

Photo: Mark Schofield

Launch Gallery