Goddards And Townsends

Woodworker: Carl Glassman While building this reproduction Goddard-Townsend fall-front secretary, Glassman, an 83-year-old retired surgeon, received both inspiration and guidance from John McAlister...

This mahogany Goddard-Townsend-style secretary is one of nine created by first-time woodworkers under the instruction of Allan Breed. Breed was contacted to teach the group after he was profiled in…

Bett’s crafted this reproduction Goddard-Townsend block-front secretary from Honduras mahogany and maple. The piece, three years in the making, is finished with shellac and wax.

Mannello’s mahogany display cabinet features hand carvings, moldings, and finials inspired by Goddard-Townsend. The piece is finished with shellac.

Locke crafted this Townsend reproduction from mahogany and maple. This small, complex reproduction is finished with shellac.

Walker crafted these two Townsend-inspired bedside chests from tiger maple and walnut.

This original 18th-century chest of drawers is attributed to John Townsend.

18th-century reproduction slant front desk in maple and pine with brass hardware. Greene finished the piece with aniline dye and shellac.

O’Brien built this tall clock on commission using the best walnut boards in his private collection.

Often the way we categorize furniture is by a prevailing figure of the time. In Europe, furniture periods were historically defined by the ruling monarch, whereas American furniture history typically…