Homes of the Master Wood Artisans: Esherick, Maloof & Nakashima
by Tina Skinner and
Steven Paul Whitsitt
Hardcover
310 x 240mm
160pp
Published
by Schiffer Publishing, West Chester, Pennsylvania USA
R.R.P.$74.90
ISBN 978-0-7643-3202-9
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 147
We know, admire, even revere, their work, but who are they, these Masters of the craft and art of making furniture?
"This book offers an opportunity to enter the homes created by three of the most important furniture craftsmen in modern American history."
Those are the first few words of Introduction to this well illustrated and intelligently written exploration of the private domains of Wharton Esherick (1887-1970), Sam Maloof (1916 - 2009) and George Nakashima (1905 - 1990).
In the houses that they built, furnished and decorated for themselves, we can gain glimpses of how these remarkable and extraordinarily influential craftsmen saw themselves.
The comments to the photos are brief and unpretentious. There is even an occasional touch of humour:
"I got carried away designing our bedroom", Maloof wrote, noting that the room measures 20 x 36 feet.
This is a book that warrants comment on its presentation as well as its content.
The landscape format (300mm wide by 230mm deep) is especially appropriate for the largely architectural photos.
The choice of hardback, in a day when practically everything is published in softcover, speaks to the intention of its authors to see their work as a reference - one that might be pulled down from the shelf in quiet hours to review again the physical world in which these three giants of woodworking immersed themselves.
About the Authors - Tina Skinner has authored numerous home design books and works as a professional writer and editor. Steven Paul Whitsitt's photos have been published extensively in national and regional periodicals, and he co-authored The Kitcben Guide. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Wharton Esherick (1887-1970)
Sam Maloof (1916-)
George Nakashima (1905-1990)
Bibliography