by Benjamin Hobbs
Edenton Armchair This is a reproduction of one of the well-known set of armchairs, attributed to Edenton, NC, of which four originals have been found. One is in Colonial Willamsburg and one is at MESDA. The chairs were ambitious in their shaping and carving, and have several unique features, such as the back claw on the feet and the flower at the arm termination. This piece was featured in the Sapfm mid-year conference in 2023, therefore I determined to make one. I was also inspired by my Dad Ben Hobbs, who has made several copies of the chair, and gave me a lumber kit years ago when he had offered this as class in his woodworking school. It has particular significance to me connecting me to him and to my roots in Northeastern North Carolina. Ben has been a champion of the furniture made in that region. Photo credit: Don Lisa, Overland Park KS