Brian Cunfer, Chairmaker
I remember making my first loop back Windsor chair. In 1993, I visited the John C. Campbell Folk School to make my first chair. The gracefulness of the Windsor design left a deep impression on me, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
At first, chair making started as a way to relieve stress from my day job. Any chair maker will agree that the use of hand tools is therapeutic. As I spent more time in the chair making process, I became fully invested in this 200-year-old colonial tradition. I found myself taking more classes, purchasing Windsor chair books, visiting flea markets, and purchasing antique woodworking tools.
Under the guidance of Dana Hatheway, I continued to learn different Windsor chair designs. To further my skills, I also studied one-on-one with Curtis Buchanan, a master American Windsor Chairmaker.
Currently, I make Windsor Chairs full-time in Lancaster County, PA. Additionally, I teach Windsor chair making to students in my private workshop and at the John C. Campbell Folk School.
I love passing down this chair making tradition to anyone else who wishes to grow and learn this historical process. I encourage you to take a class and experience the satisfaction of building your own Windsor chair!
FAQs
Can you repair my antique Windsor chair?
I will not make repairs to antique Windsor chairs. In fact, repairing an antique chair will make it lose its value.
How are your chairs made?
I use traditional techniques to build my chairs. You can read this history of Windsor chairs for a more specific breakdown.
Do you ship your chairs?
Due to the potential damage that can occur during shipping, I prefer to deliver chairs whenever possible. I’ll travel up to 500 miles to deliver your chair, and I’m also happy to meet you halfway if desired.
However, if delivery is impossible, I can crate and ship chairs. Shipping costs are covered by the customer.
Where do you offer classes and workshops?
Currently, you can schedule private and small group classes in my workshop in Lancaster County, PA. During the summer, I also teach a chair making workshop at the John C. Campbell Folk School.
If you’re interested in learning about Windsor chairs at your school or workshop, please feel free to reach out.
Do you stain your custom Windsor chairs?
I only finish Windsor chairs with milk paint or a clear satin varnish. Both of these finishes remain faithful to the colonial techniques of early Windsor chairmakers.
Are your spindles hand-drawn or turned?
All of my spindles are hand-drawn to ensure strength and longevity in each chair. Wood turning spindles does not follow the grain of the wood, causing grain “runout.” Traditional Windsor chairs last because they are hand-drawn and have a continuous grain.