Furniture Design & Construction

Graham Blackburn was born and educated in London, England, then lived for several years in Cologne and Madrid before moving to New York to continue his studies at the Juilliard School. While pursuing a career as a professional musician that saw him play in numerous bands, including Van Morrison, he built his own home and several others -- in Woodstock, NY. His first book, Illustrated Housebuilding, was published in 1974. Since then, in addition to operating a custom furnituremaking shop in California and New York, and lecturing and teaching at major craft and art schools and woodworking shows across the US, he has been a long-time columnist for Popular Woodworking and a contributing editor to Fine Woodworking. He has also served as editor-in-chief of Woodwork magazine.

Preface



Introduction



Part One: The Mysteries



Three Pillars of Design: Function, Construction, & Form



The Golden Mean: Pleasing Proportions



Functional & Stylistic Aptness: Including a Short History of Styles



Details of Styles: A Close Look at Arts & Crafts



Part Two: The Art



Entertainment Cabinet: The Importance of Design



A Thinking Man's Chest: Working with What is Available



Jewelry Box: Making the Most of Exotic Material



Legless Coffee Table: Minimal Production, Maximum Result



Parson's Table: The Essence of Simplicity



Sound Shelving: Designing to a Need: What's Old is New Again



Traveling Trestle Table: Designing for Convenience



Dining Table: Unusual Requirements



Standing Cabinet: Contemporary Design



Glazed Credenza: New Uses for Old Furniture Types



Pepysian Bookcase: Working Previous Styles



Gothic Armchair: Build Your Own Throne