In the above video I share the first part of my recent visit to the 18th century Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop at Colonial Williamsburg here in my home state of Virginia.
Colonial Williamsburg, and the Anthony Hay’s cabinet shop, have held a special place in my memory since my youth. Last year I met Kaare Loftheim (Shop Supervisor) at a tool meeting in Richmond, and he invited me to come film a tour of the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop.
This past weekend he and his wife Melody opened their lovely home to me, and then Kaare and his colleagues kindly welcomed me into their historic workshop. Throughout the day I was very fortunate to get to know these highly skilled, yet modest, craftsmen. Because they work full time in the traditional cabinet making trade, they are perhaps the most skilled hand tool craftsmen in the world. I’d like to introduce them to you below:
Kaare Loftheim, Journeyman Cabinetmaker, Shop Supervisor bio
Edward Wright, Journeyman Harpsichord Maker bio
Bill Pavlak, Journeyman Cabinetmaker bio
Brian Weldy, Apprentice Cabinetmaker
These men have been keeping a detailed blog about their research and skills in the Hay’s Cabinet shop, and I feel that it is one of the most useful woodworking resources available, so please subscribe to it here and follow them on Facebook to get updates on their latest projects.
Make sure that you go visit the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop and tell these fellas that I sent you.
Here are all my videos & articles of the Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaking Shop at Colonial Williamsburg:
- Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaking Shop Tour part 1
- Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaking Shop Tour part 2
- Anthony Hay’s Cabinetmaking Shop Tour part 3
- Secret Mitered Dovetails with Kaare Loftheim at Colonial Williamsburg
- Treadle Lathe Wood Turning at Colonial Williamsburg Hay Cabinet Shop
- Resawing Wide Boards at Colonial Williamsburg Hay Cabinet Shop
- Dry Fitting a Walnut Chair with Brian Weldy at Colonial Williamsburg
- Stunning Colonial Williamsburg Mother Plane Collection
Here are some more photographs that I took while at the workshop:
Always enjoy your post and you tube videos
I’m so glad to hear that Tommy!
VERY, very nice! Enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next video.
Glad you liked it Jason! The new video is now published.
Loved it Josh. Nice cliffhanger too. Looking forward to part 2.
Glad you liked it Jonathan! Part 2 is now waiting for you :)
The Hay Cabinet Shop is the best of the craft shops in Williamsburg. I stop there every chance I get. All the folks there are so patient and great sources of information on period techniques and processes. It’s a must see.
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