- Makers Challenge 2023
- Secretary
Secretary
TS
Thomas Smoller
Updated
845 0 2 6
Makers Challenge
Maker
Tom Smoller
Entry Number
50
Entry Category
Intermediate
Secretary
The secretary pictured is a reproduction of one of secretaries owned by Museum of Art, Rhode Island Scholl of Design (Item 04-042). It is 8-1/2 feet tall and the lower case is 42” wide. The museum graciously provided hi-res pictures, which I used to make detailed drawings. After researching the nine Newport Six Shell Secretaries, I chose this one because I liked the open bonnet, the 180 degree corner columns and the well inside the desk.
I made mine out of cherry. For the finish, I used a Transtint dye to darken and even out the color, then shellac. After rubbing out the finish I applied a coat of dark brown paste wax. It took me a year to build. Drawings were completed in August of 2022 and started building in September 2022. Secretary completed September 9 2023.
It was built as close to the way the original was (from what I could tell from the pictures) except the base. Rather than having molding at bottom applied to case I used the frame method used in Boston.
The entire build was recorded and posted on You Tube (Papa's Workshop).