My father is not going to like this blog entry.
I am always surprised how many people have never been to Charleston, S.C. – especially woodworkers. The city is a living and breathing design document; it’s like the pages of “By Hand & Eye” brought to life.
The houses, furniture and even the layout of the city are all textbook examples of the pre-Industrial design aesthetic. And you get this education by simply walking around the streets and alleys of this sizable city.
And the food. (Eyes roll back in head. Stomach grumbles.)
This weekend (March 28-29), Lie-Nielsen Toolworks is holding a Hand Tool Event at the American College of the Building Arts in the old city jail, an awesome structure. I’ll be there demonstrating both days with several pieces of campaign furniture in tow and my Dutch tool chest.
And Thomas Lie-Nielsen himself will be at this show. If you haven’t met Tom – one of the leaders of the hand-tool renaissance – this is your chance. I hope the Lie-Nielsen folks will be bringing along the new plow plane, too.
Other demonstrators are carver Mary May and Caleb James, a planemaker and chairmaker. Plus the always-capable Lie-Nielsen road crew, including Deneb Puchalski. Get full details on the event here.
And the reason my father won’t like this blog entry? He lives in downtown Charleston and would rather the streets remain as quiet as possible. Sorry dad.
— Christopher Schwarz
I’m getting ready to plan a trip. We have wanted to visit for many years. Anybody have suggestions on what to see or any inside secrets (history, architecture, and woodworking are my interests)?
Heywood-Washington house has the best furniture collection IMO (including the Holmes bookcase…!!!). Thomas Elfe house is down the street from Poogan’s Porch (but not sure if you can still tour it…and tour was kind of meh anyway). Skip Poogan’s and make a reservation at Husk and make sure to order something with bacon (Sean Brock helped popularize Benton’s Bacon). And others may disagree but I say skip house tours on the battery (but do investigate the antique stores on King and art galleries on Broad). Watch out for crowds from Piccolo Spoleto in late spring.
Sounds like some great advice Mark. My trip is coming together. Really appreciate that.
@ william: Both times I’ve been to Charleston I have neglected to see any of the sights that tourists are supposed to see… and I’ve had a fantastic time regardless. If you like historic architecture it is a joy to just walk around and see the sights. It’s a beautiful place that has a ton of character. And yes, great food. Last year I had a meal at Poogan’s Porch that was fantastic.
Thanks Joel. We’ll have to get to some of the homes and museums, of course, in the historic section. But I agree with preferring to avoid any tourist traps! Poogan’s Porch will be on my list!
new plow plane? I can’t wait to see…
It is pretty cool. I tried it out at WIA last year. What makes it unique is that it ejects the shaving out to the right like a wooden plane and unlike all the other metal planes.
It was a prototype model I think and they still where working out some little things. I have been wanting to try it again myself.
I wish I could make it. I absolutely love Charleston. Your father is a very lucky man!
Print up a bunch of “Hi Mr. Schwarz” t-shirts. You’ll sell a ton and you can give the proceeds to your a Dad’s favorite charity (in his name of course).
I am have been waiting patiently for the release of their Plow Plane and Sharpening Jig.
Hearing that L-N is releasing a plow plane ruins my day. I just bought a different one! I hope it’s so expensive I won’t even consider it…until I try it at their next hand tool event!