Alan Peters

[Sgian Dubh]

For those of us of a certain age and probably entered the furniture making profession thirty or more years ago, news has arrived that one of the profession's greats in Great Britain has gone.

Alan Peters died last Sunday, October 11, 2009. I remember our few meetings and occasional telephone conversations as being some of the most affirming and constructive on furniture design and making issues.

In the particular craft furniture world he inhabitied, consisting of honest design integrity married to excellence in craftsmanship, Alan Peters was the essential link between contemporary mid to late 20th century furniture and the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s through such things as his apprenticeship at the Barnsley workshops. Slainte.

 

[Modernist]

That is sad news indeed, although I suppose not entirely unexpected. He was an inspiration to a huge number of designer makers and brought his trademark hint of the East to the genre.

What a year - three of the all time greats lost.

 

[woodbloke]

Richard - that is very sad, but not unexpected news. Alan Peters was one of the outstanding designer/makers in his field and I suspect will be sorely missed - Rob

 

[Paul Chapman]

That's very sad news, Richard Probably one of the most influential woodworkers ever. And judging from the Jeremy Broun DVD, Alan Peters - The Makers' Maker, I bought recently, a very nice man.

At least his work and writings will live on.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[wizer]

How very sad. I was only just getting to know his work. At the exhibition the other week I overheard the curator saying he was still making stuff, albeit smaller and slower. RIP. 3 Greats gone within a few months

 

[Mattty]

Thats is very sad news indeed. A truly wonderful furniture maker.

 

[Philly]

Thanks for letting us know, Richard.
Philly

 

[FrCollins]

Real sad news, first woodworking book I ever bought was one of Alan Peters.

 

[OPJ]

Very sad news indeed and I've just finished reading his book for the very first time.

 

[Aled Dafis]

Sad news indeed.

My only experience of Allan Peters is in Rob cosman's DVD "Allan Peters - The makers maker". He had an aura about him, and wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind, in fact Allan states quite clearly in the DVD that he wouldn't cut dovetails as skinny as Rob, and that they looked wrong.

I've always wanted to read more about Allan Peters' work but never got around to it. Can someone point me in the right direction, books, web etc.


Cheers

Aled

 

[woodbloke]

I've always wanted to read more about Allan Peters' work but never got around to it. Can someone point me in the right direction, books, web etc.


Cheers

Aled

Aled - his excellent book 'Cabinet Making - the Professional Approach' has recently been republished in soft back (some of us though have an original copy in hardback :wink: ) which in my view has to be a standard text on any self-respecting woodworkers bookshelf.
Nothing in there though about hardening and tempering :lol:...hat, coat, already moving - Rob

 

[Aled Dafis]

I've always wanted to read more about Allan Peters' work but never got around to it. Can someone point me in the right direction, books, web etc.


Cheers

Aled

Aled - his excellent book 'Cabinet Making - the Professional Approach' has recently been republished in soft back (some of us though have an original copy in hardback :wink: ) which in my view has to be a standard text on any self-respecting woodworkers bookshelf.
Nothing in there though about hardening and tempering :lol:...hat, coat, already moving - Rob

Thanks Rob, I'd completely forgotten about the "new" book, it's on my christmas list. My family are always stuck for things to buy for me at christmas, so this year I'm compiling a list for them. I'll see if I can get a copy from my local library in the meantime though.

Cheers

Aled

 

[mark w]

I hope F&C magazine do a fitting tribute to him unlike the few lines written about James Krenov.
God must be in need of a lot of new furniture, all`s I can say!

Kind regards, Mark W

 

[woodbloke]

this year I'm compiling a list for them. I'll see if I can get a copy from my local library in the meantime though.

Cheers

Aled

Aled - the book is really good and well worth it. I gave my family a list last year just before Christmas of 12 items from Axminster that I knew would be useful in the 'shop (varying in price from small items to one of their leather aprons) so I ended up with lots of stuff, all of which I use. I'll be doing the same thing again this year, so will have to start the 'trawl' - Rob

 

[Aled Dafis]

this year I'm compiling a list for them. I'll see if I can get a copy from my local library in the meantime though.

Cheers

Aled

Aled - the book is really good and well worth it. I gave my family a list last year just before Christmas of 12 items from Axminster that I knew would be useful in the 'shop (varying in price from small items to one of their leather aprons) so I ended up with lots of stuff, all of which I use. I'll be doing the same thing again this year, so will have to start the 'trawl' - Rob

Spending other people's money is so much more fun!! :lol: :lol: :wink:

Cheers

Aled

 

[newt]

3 top experts inside 6 months very sad.

 

[Woodcrafts]

Very sad news. I feel privileged to have attended a talk he gave at the Cheltenham museum some years ago where he spoke about his work and influences. Such a modest, unassuming man, but what talent, and an inspiration to a generation of makers.

I think it was his book which first inspired me to take up furniture making. Practical and realistic, it's fitting that it has recently been re-published, hopefully to encourage another generation.

 

[Ironballs]

Like Olly, I've just recently read one of his books and it's without doubt the best furniture making text I've read. A sad loss and thanks for letting us know Richard

 

[ondablade]

Alan Peter's work for me just dripped integrity and subtle but simple refinement. It seemed like there wasn't anything there that wasn't thought through. Despite his being British he had a very Zen feel to him.

Here's a clip from YouTube about him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4N0KHV0n1g

 

[Joe]

There's an obit in The Guardian today if anyone is interested. Here's the link.

Joel