Description:

Caring for furniture and wood artifacts demands an understanding of how and why wood deteriorates. This course offers a simplified explanation of the chemistry and structure of wood as well as the finished wooden object; be it either a totem pole, plow or a French polished table. Care of Furniture and Wood Artifacts teaches students to identify woods, finishes and furniture styles, write condition reports, and understand the agents of deterioration that are harmful to wood both in storage and on exhibit. Topics include preparing wood artifacts for storage and exhibit, the use of archival materials with wood artifacts, housekeeping techniques for furniture and large objects on open display, basic repairs and three dimensional supports for storage or exhibit.

Course Outline:

1. Introduction
2. The structure and chemistry of wood
3. Furniture and Their Styles and Structures
4. Documentation and Condition Report Writing
5. Wood Artifacts and Their Environment
6. Handling Furniture and Wood Artifacts
6. Treating Furniture and Wood Artifacts
7. Care of Wood in Storage
8. Care of Wood on Exhibit
9. Conclusion

Supplies
10x to 15x handheld magnifier

Acquire a collection of veneers:

These are some useful pages to acquire veneers:
Lee Valley
Certainly Wood
Edgemate
Firewood Treasures

Acquire a collection of small solid wood samples:

Possible Sources of Wood Sample / Identification Kits

Carolina Biological Supply Company
2700 York Road
Burlington, NC 27215
Phone: 910/584-0381

Garrett Wade Company
161 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10013
Phone: 1-800-221-2912 or 212/807-1757

Educational Lumber Company, Inc.
Box 5373
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 704/255-8765

Wisconsin Crafts
W6407 20th Street
Necedah, WI 54646
Phone: 608/565-2101