Baraboo Valley Windsor Chairs
David Ogren
Windsor chairs and other fine furniture handcrafted in the 18th Century American Tradition
Welcome!
My chairs are reproductions of historic chairs of the American revolutionary war era, a time before mass production, when each chair was individually handmade by a highly skilled "chair-wright". I use the same time honored techniques as those used by the master chairmakers of the 18th century America. My chairs and stools are based on designs originating in the period from the mid- 18th century to mid 19th century. Each is a completely handmade original with my own variations added.
There is a distinct difference between the chairs offered by skilled chairmakers and those who are simply suppliers of factory made chairs. Many mass-produced chairs look good at a distance and are less expensive than handmade Windsor chairs, but will not typically last for more than a few years. A handmade Windsor will be lighter than a typical mass produced chair and it will last for several generations. The design integrity of our classically handmade Windsor chairs means that our chairs are light and very strong, yet flexible enough in their construction to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction without compromising the structural integrity of the chair itself.
Each Baraboo Valley Windsor chair is individually handmade from locally grown hardwoods and softwoods. It may take a little more time to make a Windsor chair this way, but in the end you will own an heirloom which will not only appreciate in value over time, but will be around for several generations.
I offer several styles, some of which I do not display on the website. If you don't see what you need, please call and ask. I will be happy to work with you.
On the surface, the classic designs of the many graceful Windsor chair forms and variations appear delicate. Less apparent are the design elements and techniques of construction which give Windsor chairs the strength and durability to hold up over several generations of use. These techniques include "split wedge" mortise and tenon joinery, the use of "riven" wood (hand split with the grain to create superior strength), and steam bending for the arms, bows and other elements.
