Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon home is usually a memorable trip for those who appreciate history; however, doing preservation work on the mansion is an entirely different experience. Preservation activities are a fact of life at the mansion, and have been for the 160 years that the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has owned the house. Amy McAuley, one of this year's exhibitors at the Early American Artisans Fair, is one of many skilled craftspeople working on the mansion using tools and skills much more common to the 18th century. She'll be bringing her experience and tools with her to the November show.
What is your skill/craft?
Specializing in the reproduction of 18th/19th c. sash, doors and moldings. Also a maker of 18th c type wooden side escapement planes.
How long have you been doing this?
I've been in business for 25 years. The last 17 years as Oculus Fine Carpentry.
How did you get started?
While fumbling around after college graduation with a degree in Fine Arts I was hired on for a summer working with a company specializing in historic preservation. I was hooked on old buildings after that.
What motivates you and pushes you forward in your craft?
The fact that my craft is dying. Sometimes I get tired since working exclusively with traditional hand tools is laborious and physically exhausting. Then I think about all those craftspeople that came before me and that I am one of a very few that can do this kind of work and on I go.
Who and what have been the biggest influences in your work?
The burning of Windsor Castle in 1992 and my timber framing friend David Rogers who inspired me to give up my power tools and embrace hand tools.
What's your favorite project you've completed?
Looking back at my career there have been many fantastic projects; six different lighthouses, two frontier military forts, and one gigantic poultry barn. By far my most favorite project is the one that was so daunting, and exhausting that I didn't think I could complete it which was the building of two entrance doors for George Washington's Mansion, Mount Vernon.
To what degree do you employee traditional techniques and tools and do more modern processes or tools play a role in your work?
The mansion doors mentioned above were surfaced, dimensioned and built entirely with traditional 18th c. tools and techniques. When I sold my power tools I kept three for certain tasks, a Skil saw for cutting plywood, a Sazall for doing demolition, and a cordless drill to drive all those stainless steel fasteners specified by architects.
You can find more of Amy's work at her website: oculuswindow.com.
Amy's work at Mount Vernon: https://www.mountvernon.org/blog/2018/04/building-18th-century-doors
Interview with Amy by Quackenbush Woodworks: https://quackenbushwoodworks.com/2017/08/16/unplugged-woodworking-sash-joiner-interview/
The fire at Windsor Castle: https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle/the-fire-at-windsor-castle#/
The Early American Artisans Fair is November 1 - 2, 2019 at Harvest Ridge Event Center in Millersburg, OH. We are expecting artisans who practice in the following:
Also happening on the grounds at Harvest Ridge the same weekend is another event - Earlier Times Antiques and Folk Art Show. Located in a neighboring building, Earlier Times vendors bring with them a collection of antique and primitive furniture and related items. The grounds at Harvest Ridge will offer visitors a great opportunity to explore finely crafted objects from pre-industrial through modern times.