All-Saints Episcopal Church Aumbry In Walnut And Wenge With Silver Enamel And Cloisonne
An aumbry is a self-supporting, locked box that holds the chalice of the host and holy oils used for the Eucharist. When mounted at the alter it is known as a tabernacle. This box on stand is a two-piece construction. The box may be removed from the stand for use as a tabernacle. The cobalt blue enameled silver door inlays and the more remarkable cloisonne borders depicting the 365 saints of the Episcopal Church were made by silversmith Marietta Loudon of Carson City Nevada. I have laboriously hand inlaid the delicate enameled "arabesque" letters into the equally carefully chosen walnut door, which spell out the words "I AM." The cloisonne (each unique saint and the two crosses are "drawn" with fine wires and enameled on silver) border is set into the wenge frame of the aumbry. The door swings on the dreaded "invisible" hinges, which are always a challenge to install. The frame of the box is of thinner wood than the stand, perhaps in the style of the "Ark of the Covenant." This collaborative effort was patronized by a long-time member of the church, Jean Packard, who left the money in her estate in the hope that it would be used to build an aumbry that is a work of art. You may notice that the sexton immediately cut off the ends of the "legs" as the right Reverend Gleeson, for who I have now built five pieces, did not mention that it would sit on a shelf that restricted that dimension:) Needless to say, the more expensive part of this piece is the incredible silversmithing!
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Jonathan Walkey is retired professional furniture maker who now makes selected pieces for discriminating clients. I am a one man studio, specializing in decorative arts and crafts, mid-century, Greene & Green, etc. furniture. my own personal style generally includes contrasting hardwoods with beautiful grains and hand worked inlays. In between commissions I simultaneously work on personal studio furniture projects.
I was raised in Lincoln Massachusetts where my father was the director of the DeCordova Museum of modern art. My mother worked as an expert in fine crafts and furniture . I attended many arts and crafts classes and summer art camps at the Museum. I was trained as a silversmith at age 11 and at age 12 built a 10 foot kayak made of wood and canvas. I was a U.S. Navy trained aviation mechanic and earned my living for 15 years as a master mechanic, working mainly on motorcycles. I am also a former carpenter, criminal appellate attorney, credentialed teacher, professional writer, and painter.
Today I apply my talents and interests to building fine arts and craft furniture. My lifelong continuing education combines training of the mind with training of the hands. What you buy from Jonathan is fine art as well as heirloom quality furniture built to last many lifetimes. These qualities are reflected in the cost of my work, neither of which should ever be compared with that of commercial furniture.
- NF
Nat Flip
For Ibi's Table Base For Glass Top Dining Table5.0Jonathan was absolutely wonderful to work with! He designed a custom table base for us after listening carefully to our needs. He also went on an expedition to find the perfect plank of walnut that would blend well with our existing furniture. He was so response and answered all of our questions along the way. I was blown away by the very personal attention gave us and with the quality of his work! I would have him make every future piece of furniture in our home if we could! Thank you Jonathan! We couldn’t be happier!
- SR
Scott Rousse
For Starry Night Coffee Table4.7Jonathan was wonderful to work with and very thorough in answering my questions, making the entire process painless. He was good with providing updates as the table was being made, and it was shipped on time and in perfect condition. I love the end result - the table is beautiful and exactly what I wanted. I would definitely recommend him for your next project!
- KL
kris leadens
For Solid Black Walnut Modern Table5.0Jonathan was a pleasure to work with. He kept me in the loop with every step of my project, and answered all my questions promptly. I would absolutely work with him again.
- RE
Roger Evans
For Santa Monica Dining table4.8We just received our table last evening. The craftsmanship is superb and we love the table. We would recommend this craftsman highly to anyone and will use him for another project that we are working on. Shipping was a little slow , but the end result was excellent, and the shipping personnel were professional and courteous and careful.
Overall extremely satisfied. - SO
Stella Oldham
For Stella's Kitchen island cart on rollers5.0Working with Jonathan was such a pleasure. In corresponding with him I knew my cart was in very good hands. I got my cart today and the pictures that he sent me did not do it justice. The cart is fabulous. I would consider Jonathan on any of my future projects.
Thanks again Jonathan.
StellaO
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