Making a Federal Dressing Table with Steve Latta

The dressing table underwent a radical evolution during the Federal period bearing little semblance to its ancestor, the “lowboy” of the Queen Anne and Chippendale periods.   The cabriole legs were replaced with long, slender legs that were tapered and adorned with inlay.  The form became taller, less massive and architecturally more refined.   As it changed stylistically, the dressing table gained a great deal of practicality that was lacking in its earlier forms.  The piece we’ll be exploring is loosely based on a table that is part of Winterthur Museum’s  permanent collection. (Montgomery #335)  and can serve as a dressing table, a small server or as a writing desk.  It has a long drawer  resting over two narrow drawers with an arched knee cavity between them.  The entire front is bowed or “sweeped” as described in original price books.  It is an elegant piece offering a wide range of lessons on case construction, ornamental veneering and a broad assortment of inlay techniques.

During these classes,  we will focus on developing the skills required to build and decorate this piece. Participants will work on a series of mock-ups before diving into the actual components which we’ll begin in class but will be finished between sessions  in the privacy of their own homes  in an unhurried, focused manner.  Expect involved, satisfying days as your skills and knowledge grow. If you have been intrigued with veneers and inlays, interested in some complex joinery or just want to learn some great techniques from one of this country’s best furniture makers then you owe it to your self to sign up today. Expect involved, satisfying days as your skills and knowledge grow.

Tuition: $895.00 plus materials

Section 091711A: Saturday & Sunday, September 17 & 18, October 22 & 23, November 19 & 20, January 7 & 8, 9:30am - 5:00pm

general tool list  (will open in a new window)

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