Teaming up

The Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, N.C., presents “Crafted from Wood,” an exhibit of utilitarian furniture pieces, children’s toys, tools, carvings and more from multiple collections, including the North Carolina Museum of History.

The exhibit features work from the 18th century furniture shops of Thomas White, William Seay, Samuel Black, and Micajah Wilkes, and other regional makers including Thomas Day, Henry and Wilson Bruce Evans, and Angela Cacace.

It also highlights their training, abilities and determination to succeed.

“Housewrights, joiners, and carpenters intermingled with cabinet and furniture makers to craft homes and businesses throughout the Albemarle region,” the museum explained in a statement. “Artisans often served dual roles to maintain a living, many as farmers. Tools, hardware, and finishing materials were purchased from regional merchants or other artisans’ estate sales. These highly skilled craftspeople built homes, schools, businesses, and churches, all components that create a community.”

The exhibit is scheduled to run through 2026. For more, visit museumofthealbemarle.com.  

This article was originally published in the December 2023 issue.