Seventeenth-century English Furniture

Plimoth Plantation artisans excel at creating highly accurate reproductions and uniquely beautiful custom pieces. The methods of construction and decoration are based on extensive study of surviving seventeenth-century examples in museum and private collections. Each piece is a striking reminder of a time when the skill and labor of artisans rendered everyday objects things of beauty, as well as utility.

All of Plimoth Plantation's reproduction furniture is made entirely by hand in the Crafts Center, beginning with hardwood split directly from a log. The Crafts Center joiners use tools which are functional equivalents to those found in a 17th century joiner's shop -- planes, chisels, carving gouges and other edge tools -- and which leave surface textures similar to those found on period work. Iron hardware -- nails or hinges for boxes and chests -- is hand-forged by Plimoth Plantation's blacksmith. A period finish is achieved with linseed oil, mixed with turpentine and varnish. Painted decoration may highlight the background of the carvings. The colors are usually red and black, made with iron oxide and lampblack pigments mixed in linseed oil and turpentine.

Sample Gallery -- Other furniture forms are available

Joined chests are constructed of riven, or split, oak; the frame uses mortise-and-tenon joinery, with panels fitted into the framework. The joints are fastened with wooden pins. The front section is carved; the ends have moldings on the framework. Air-dried white pine boards are selected for the chest lids and floor boards. There is a small interior compartment called a till. Oak lids can be ordered for an additional cost. Variations such as a chest with drawer underneath are priced accordingly.

Approximate dimensions are H: 28" W: 50" D: 20".

Starting at $5000. Click image for a larger, detailed view.

Carved boxes are made of oak, with pine boards for the bottoms and lids. The corners are either nailed, or glued and pegged. The bottom is nailed up to body of the box, and the lid is hinged with wooden hinges. Alternatively, oak lids, and iron, period-style hinges are available at an additional cost.

Approximate dimensions: H: 8" W: 24" D: 14"

Starting at $800. Click image for a larger, detailed view.

Wainscot chairs are entirely made of riven oak, with mortise-and-tenon joinery secured by wooden pins. Decorated with carvings and lathe-turned front posts, these are among the most impressive and imposing chairs of the time. In the period a loose cushion would be used on the wooden seat.

Approximate dimensions: H: 45" W: 25 3/4" D: 17 1/2"

Wainscot chair pictured is $4000. Click image for a larger, detailed view.

Joined stools were the most common seating of the period. All oak construction, sometimes with carving on the upper rails as this example. These serve well as small end tables in modern homes. Longer, bench-like, versions are called joined "forms" and can range from four to six feet in length.

H: 22" W: 15" D: 14" (seat is about 10" x 15")

Starting at $800. Click the image for a larger, detailed view.

Ordering custom work

The pieces illustrated are typical examples. We offer a large range of historic patterns and styles, and work with each customer to decide on dimensions and other details. As a result, each piece is truly a custom order. The pieces pictured are samples of the most common furniture forms of the period. Contact us for quotes for other furniture forms, such as cupboards, tables, etc.

At the time of ordering, a deposit of 50% is collected, and the work is scheduled. Lead times vary, depending on the scope of the project and the backlog of work. Smaller pieces like the carved boxes can usually be fitted in easily; the joined chests and chairs require more time. Shipping charges are additional.

The Crafts Center joiners make furniture from oak, pine, ash and maple timbers, among others. All of these woods display a range of colors and textures that vary from tree to tree, even within one species. These are most notable when the furniture is new, and is to be expected.

For a direct consultation with the artisan who will make your piece, contact Plimoth Plantation joiner Peter Follansbee pfollansbee@plimoth.org for furniture, or kroncarati@plimoth.org for all other work.