Woodworking things to do in Philadelphia

Re: Woodworking things to do in Philadelphia *LINK*

Ellis Walentine

You would enjoy a visit to the PFW (see link below), founded by Alan Turner around 2006. Mario Rodriguez was the other instructor until a year or two ago, and now the executive director is Craig Stevens, whom I first met when he was a student at the College of the Redwoods. Tell him I said hello.

Ellis


Philadelphia Furniture Workshop

Re: Woodworking things to do in Philadelphia

GolfSteve in Calgary

In Philadelphia and greater area I simply enjoyed seeing the woodwork everywhere. I come from a part of the world where 1970 is ancient history, so everything is interesting when visiting an older part of the world.

I was there in 2011, for a combined business trip to Houston and Philadelphia. I didn't take a single photograph when in Houston, but had hundreds of photos from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. My memorable experiences were:

Independence Hall with the fine display of Windsor Chairs, which is one of my favourite styles. Free admission in the off-season! (I was there in February).

The Benjamin Franklin print shop museum included some of his original furniture.

Lots of examples of Federal style furniture, which is one of my favourite styles.

Visiting Elfreth's Alley at dusk was lovely and the light was perfect for great photos and interesting atmosphere.

Interesting architecture.

Eating real crab cakes and trolling through used book stores.

Seeing police with guns drawn on some guy lying on the street :-0 as I drove past.

Outside of Philadelphia proper, there was lots of interesting items:

Visiting civil war sites as I drove from Philadelphia to Hearne Hardwoods.

Buying Australian blackwood and Austrian spruce tops at Hearne Hardwoods for a guitar that I was planning to build.

Staying in historic countryside inns with fine stonework and woodwork.

Visiting civil war sites and museums (usually co-located with historic inns!). I had a great meal at a restaurant near Chadd's Ford but the local museum was unfortunately closed during the off-peak season.

Driving the countryside and discovering covered wooden bridges (Octoraro Bridge #1 amongst others), local Amish woodworking shops, and custom Windsor chair manufacturers.

Antique shops with real antiques that aren't insane prices (like they are here).

Seeing some rather shocking drug use and social conditions in Lancaster, completely unexpected for a small town.

And, I also remember that it cost more to rent a GPS with my vehicle ($25/day) that it did to rent the vehicle itself ($20/day).

Re: Woodworking things to do in Philadelphia

Bob Lang

Wharton Esherick Museum, up by Valley Forge:

https://whartonesherickmuseum.org/

Not woodworking but definitely worth seeing, amazing Tiffany glass mural:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tiffany-glass-mural-the-dream-garden

Bob Lang

Re: Woodworking things to do in Philadelphia

William Duffield

If you decide to drive out to Hearne Hardwoods, either Winterthur or the Chester County Historical Society is on the way. The CCHS is in downtown West Chester, and holds a definitive collection of Chester County Spice Boxes (but I think you already know that). If you like spring bulbs, Longwood Gardens is also on the way.

I'll also second Bob Lang's recommendations.

Second Winterthur & Longwood

Center for Art in Wood (Excellent current show)

Moderne Gallery

Stephen Roth

You get to touch museum quality studio furniture.