Popular Woodworking 2006-12 № 159, страница 66

Great Woodshops

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does for the entire piece. He likely knows more about the details and construction of this furniture than anyone. Describing the techniques of Peter and John Hall, the craftsmen who built the originals, Ipekjian says, "The Halls didn't do anything the quick and easy way, but I think they were having fun, seeing what they could do."

Ipekjian's skill and attention to detail have brought him to a place that most woodworkers only dream about. He works in a pleasant space, at a comfortable pace, recreating some of the finest furniture ever made. His reputation keeps him busy. "If everything I have talked with people about comes through, I'll be busy for the next three or four years. I'm comfortable, but still I can't keep from worrying about what I'll do after that," he says.

Unfortunately for the rest of us, Ipekjian doesn't have any plans at this point to teach or write about his work, "I'm too busy really doing the work. I work a lot of hours because it's fun, and I love what I do." Pointing to a stack of lumber leaning on the wall next to some shelves he says, "You might be interested in that wood and those tools; they belonged to Charles Greene." The tools were worn from use but well cared for, and the lumber was marked with Greene's name and address from many years ago.

The tools and lumber were freely given to Ipekjian. He also has a sense of gratitude for where he is today. "I can't explain it, or pos

The Blacker house furniture reproductions, and several other Greene and Greene pieces, feature inlays of precious metals, mother of pearl, sem i-precious stones and carved wood. James Ipekjian's work includes highly detailed reproductions of these incredible jewelry-like inlays

sibly tell someone else how to get here, I'm fortunate to be where I am."

When studying old furniture and its makers, I often wonder what it was like at the time. Why did they do things a certain way? What were the reasons for doing this, and how was it done? James Ipekjian has spent nearly 30

years asking those questions - and discovering many of the answers - about the furniture of Greene and Greene. He remains curious and eager to find the answers to the questions he still has, and in the meantime, he has another table leg to carve. PW

Accurate reproductions in a corner of the shop near the entrance serve as Ipekjian's showroom.

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Popular Woodworking December 2006