Workshop: Furniture Study with Philip D. Zimmerman, March 19th

For the past 20 years, Dr. Philip D. Zimmerman has been offering “furniture study days” at large, small, and in-between museums and historic houses (including one to Odessa in 2011).

These days have morning and afternoon sessions, each of about 2-1/2 hours, separated by a box lunch. The sessions address furniture in ways that few other programs do. We will consider and investigate furniture design, materials (i.e., woods), and construction (of all kinds). There are no prerequisites; we try to keep everything clear and free of jargon. All kinds of people attend: from those who thought plywood came from plywood trees, to serious collectors, curators, dealers, and conservators. Most people are simply interested and want to learn more.
These programs happen at places where we are allowed to examine the furniture with adequate lights and handling (limited to Philip and host staff). Accordingly, we get to see things that most major museums cannot or will not show! The number of participants is strictly limited so that everyone will have ample opportunity to participate fully (and safely in small spaces).

Particulars

The day will begin from 9:00 to 9:30 with coffee in the Visitors Center in the 1855 Odessa Bank. We will then head directly across the street to explore the collections in the two houses, breaking for a boxed lunch around 12:30. The program will end around 4:00. Wear comfortable clothing as you may find yourself sitting on the floor from time to time. You may wish to bring paper and pencils (no pens!). Also, you may want to sample the “Search the Collection” database available on the Historic Odessa website and/or read your copy of A Storied Past: Collections of Historic Odessa.

Enrollment is first come, first served. The cost is $140.00 per person ($120.00 for members of Historic Odessa Foundation), which includes morning coffee, lunch, and a donation to the Foundation. Please let Jen Kostik know if you wish to attend (jennifer.cabell@historicodessa.org; 302-378-4119). To hold your place, you must send your check to her, payable to Philip Zimmerman by Friday, March 15, to secure your spot.

Also, you will have an opportunity to buy A Storied Past at the special price of $60—simply not available elsewhere.

About Dr. Philip D. Zimmerman

Philip Zimmerman is a museum and decorative arts consultant based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  A prolific author, teacher, and lecturer, Dr. Zimmerman is a nationally recognized authority on early American furniture.  He has written much about early Delaware furniture, including Delaware Clocks (2006), all of the furniture entries for the Biggs Museum catalogue (2002), and several articles for The Magazine Antiques.  He is also the author of A Storied Past: Collections of Historic Odessa, to be published later this year.