Carve a  Concave Newport Shell with Alf Sharp

   One of the most recognizable carved motifs on 18^th century American Furniture is the fabulous shell carving found on Goddard-Townsend block-front casework. Harkening back to the Queen Anne period (1740’s), these large, unique shell carvings were the piece-de-resistance on Newport furniture well into the 1790’s. With their sinuous curves and multiple layers, they have seemed intimidating to many novice carvers who might like to take one on. They needn’t be. Like so many carving projects, it’s just a matter of knowing where to start, and then working progressively thru the stages until one has completed a masterful carving.

  Usually when this motif is taught, it’s done as the convex shell that appears on either side of the three-shell group. This demo-class will emphasize the concave, or middle shell, which is somewhat more complicated, and hence more sophisticated. Still, it’s not beyond the scope of anyone with basic carving skills. We’ll learn how to layout the shell and rough out the general shape. Then we’ll sweep those glorious ogee-shaped lobes, and finish off with the miniature version of the shell in the lower center, and the fine vein that outlines the whole shell. Join us and learn this American icon.

Alf Sharp is one of this country’s première furniture makers. He works out of his Tennessee workshop, specializing in 18th century American and English designs.

Alf is the recipient of the 2008 Cartouche award from The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. He is also the president of the Furniture Society. Recent work can be seen in the magazine Woodwork, Feb. 2008 issue,  and on his web-site, www.alfredsharp.com. Alf also writes for Fine Woodworking magazine.

Sign up today for this truly unique class.  Some specific carving tools will be required. That list will be on the school website- www.schoolofwoodworking.com Tuition: $125.00 plus materials

Section 031112A: Sunday, March 11, 9:30am - 5:00pm

 Tool_list_Alf_Sharp_Concave_Newport_Shell.pdf

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