Description

Wharton Esherick is called the Dean of American Woodworkers. He was making contemporary, or studio furniture long before those terms existed. These Wharton Esherick-inspired library steps exemplify his eye for balance and design.

 

Wharton Esherick Library Steps

In this 5-day class, you’ll build an interpretation of the iconic Wharton Esherick library steps. From its carved, asymmetrical twisted column with through mortise-and-tenon joinery, to the curved dovetail connection between the risers and treads, this piece will challenge even the most experienced woodworker.

 

 

 

Some of the skills you will learn in this class:

• Shaping contoured surfaces
• Curved dovetails
• Through mortise-and-tenon joinery

Materials are not included in the class fee. Lumber for this project may be purchased through us or on your own and shipped to our shop at least four weeks prior to the class.

Each student should supply his, or her, own:

• Safety glasses and hearing protection
• Combination or machinist square
• Bevel gauge
• Bench chisels
• Carvers mallet
• Dovetail saw
• Marking gauge
• Smooth plane or jack plane
• Block plane
• Tape measure or folding rule

If you do not have the tools on the list, don’t panic, there are plenty of tools for your use in class.

Course Dates:

• Aug. 11 – 15, 2025

The shop opens at 8:30 am. Class begins at 9:00 am.  A delicious lunch, snacks, and soft drinks are provided. Class ends at 4:30 pm – the shop remains open until 5:30 pm.

The class is limited to a maximum of 3 students.

Call or email to be placed on the waiting list if this class sells out.