The Cabinetmaker

In the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop, Master Cabinet Maker Bill Pavlak, along with journeymen and apprentices are able to focus on the lesser-known stories of skilled artisans, both free workers and the enslaved, who shaped these timeless pieces and whose expert craftsmanship continues to influence our cultural heritage today. The craftsmen speak to us down through history. Proper reading of often-hidden tool marks and informed analysis of surviving 18th century furniture, helps reveal the lesser-known stories of the apprentices and enslaved people that often worked in these shops.

[@augustwest8559]

The paper said two Negros not to men.
Don’t be afraid to tell the truth the craftsman that you admire didnt mince words speak the truth.

[@mikejustice1196]

🍪

[@user-wf5co6ct7l]

I’m not saying it’s right, but would a woman be working as a cabinet maker in colonial times? Surely, they would’ve said it was a “man’s” job!

[@amazinggrace5692]

You think they can’t cope?😂

[@ColonialWilliamsburg]

While we do not know of any women cabinetmakers in 18th century Williamsburg specifically, we do know of women in the trade within the greater British world. While it was a male dominated trade, women did enter it following the path of apprenticeship or through familial connections such as marriage. There were higher numbers of women in the allied trade of upholstery - most notably Betsy Ross. We can also document women wood carvers and harpsichord makers (both trades we currently practice in the Hay Cabinet Shop).

[@user-wf5co6ct7l]

@@ColonialWilliamsburg Thank you for that. That added to the narrative given. Pity you couldn’t have put that in the script.

[@user-wf5co6ct7l]

@@amazinggrace5692 Sadly not. Our male egos are so easily bruised.

[@amazinggrace5692]

@@user-wf5co6ct7l That was a joke … told to us at Col Williamsburg. You know woodworking, “coping”. So many good memories from there. 💕🐝💕

[@michelehumphrey852]

Love the smell of this shop 😊

[@ColonialWilliamsburg]

So do we!

[@talosheeg]

Awesome! Can't wait to see staymakers and mantua makers soon!

[@davidcreager1945]

My hats off to all the cabinet makers both master and journeyman ! Your hard work and dedication really shows ! Awesome ! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲