Cabinetmaker Allan Breed to Speak at Museum of Old Newbury
Newburyport, MA – March 22, 2019: On Sunday, March 31, the Museum of Old Newbury will welcome master cabinet maker and carver Allan Breed for a presentation and demonstration entitled Building a Newport High Chest. Breed will present the process of building a copy of a high chest by John Townsend (1732-1809) of Newport, RI. Some of the most highly prized furniture by today’s collectors and museums was built in Newport during the second half of the 18^th century. Wealthy families commissioned elegantly proportioned and embellished pieces from the Townsend and Goddard families as well as other skilled Rhode Island craftsmen.
The first part of the presentation will be a series of images taken during the construction of the piece, followed by a demonstration of some of the carving techniques used to create the ball and claw feet and the shell carving. Al will also have finished carving samples on hand to illustrate the finished product.