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George Nakashima's home and shop

Ah, that brought back pleasant memories. About 15 years ago a small group of us (Bucks Woodturners) were given a tour of the property and some of the buildings by Mira. I remember having to remove our shoes to enter some of them. Impressive !!! And, the wood storage barn ... Wow! Enough beautiful wood in there to last all of us attending woodturners & woodworkers several lifetimes.
 
George Nakashima was the father of the single slab table. His work is timeless and now sells for many times the original price. There is no comparison between his work and some of today’s tables that are sometimes 50% plastic / epoxy.
 
Good video, there are several others on Youtube where Mira talks about her father. I remember when I visited American Craft Museum in New York in 1989 and found the fantastic exhibition "George Nakashima: Full Circle". I had never heard of Nakashima before, there was no internet then! I promptly bought his book "The soul of a tree" and read with admiration.
 
My birthday is in March, so in 2025 my wife called to arrange a tour. The first available was October! It’s a fantastic experience. Great grandson and another employee gave the tour. Highly recommended. If you head to Philadelphia check out the Moderne Gallery; always Nakashima pieces there. Also, if you’re in the area go tour the Esherick Home and Museum in Malvern, PA.

whartonesherickmuseum.org

Wharton Esherick Museum

whartonesherickmuseum.org whartonesherickmuseum.org
 
Thanks for the link.

Nakashima trained as an architect He didn't design many buildings outside his own compound after returning to the US, but one interesting example is the Benedictine Abbey near Abiquiu, NM. Very simple and harmonious, it seems to grow out of the rock cliff behind it. The drive along the river to get there is a fun challenge, and they make good beer, plus Georgia O'Keefe's home is nearby. Worth a trip if you are in the region.
 
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Glad everyone enjoyed the video tour. I'm always amazed and impressed by those who take a craft to the utmost heights. And I think I did good to turn a pen blank.
 
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