Jan, 2009 years ago i visited monticello and was impressed by the bookstand that thomas jefferson had designed for his library. Bob self, director of restoration, describes the history of the revolving bookstand and process of making. After doing a bit of research, i decided id model it. Jeffersons gadgets the monticello classroom part 3. Apr 08, 2014 jeffersonian revolving book stand with the sides and the base well on their way, it was time to turn my attention towards the central column that everything would attach to. This revolving stand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to jeffersons design and specifications in the joiners shop on mulberry row.
Replica of thomas jeffersons revolving bookstand made from black walnut with a natural finish, same as original. Among the many ingenious devices found in thomas jeffersons cabinet, the revolving book stand perhaps most clearly suggests jeffersons passion for knowledge. As luck would have it, both my sons attend ambrose, and my wife is a 4th grade teacher there, so it was a given that i would volunteer to build the. Thomas jefferson monticello revolving bookstand unique. This revolving book stand is a reproduction of the original found in jeffersons mansion. Years ago i visited monticello and was impressed by the bookstand that thomas jefferson had designed for his library.
Thomas jefferson s revolving bookstand in natural walnut c022. Upon visiting monticello, one is introduced to some of the modern inventions that jefferson was known to have developed through the help of the monticello joinery. So, he invented this revolving book stand which allowed him to quickly and easily view five. His father showed him how to ride a horse, shoot a gun, and paddle a canoe. Sep 30, 2014 we were asked to quote and build a thomas jefferson revolving book stand, by a parent at the ambrose school, as a class project for the schools annual auction.
But he only thought up one thing that can be called an invention. May 30, 2017 i also have some details about the history and construction of the jefferson bookstand on my blog. I can envision him furiously spinning this thing to crossreference palladio, voltaire, or whatever sundry topic he was researching. Thomas jeffersons revolving book stand johnsonarts. In jeffersons day, dumbwaiters were already being used in france and england, but what they normally called a dumbwaiter was basically a multishelf cart on wheels. Our revolving bookstand is a linebyline reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from thomas jeffersons own design. Our revolving bookstand is a line by line reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from thomas jeffersons own design. He also thought up the cipher wheel and the spherical sundial, but historians are not sure if he was the first to invent them. In order to bring the shelf vertical i installed a wooden two piece latch. Holding multiple books at adjustable angles, it is well suited for crosschecking information from several sources while.
Jefferson may have conveniently placed it next to his chair in his readingandwriting arrangement in the. Jun 12, 2015 thomas jeffersons laptop writing desk. Made of solid mahogany with a soft, handpolished finish, the rotating bookstand holds five books at adjustable angles on rests that fold down to form a 12 cube. How to make solid wood 1800s jeffersonian bookstand. The sage of monticello based his fivesided bookstand on designs he found in paris. See more ideas about thomas jefferson, book stands and. Thomas jefferson claimed, in 1818, that in nothing have the habits of the palate more decisive influence than in our relish of wines. Revolving bookstand view interactive version this revolving bookstand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to jefferson s design and specifications in the joinery. So, he invented this revolving book stand which allowed him to quickly and easily view five books with the spin of the wrist. This revolving bookstand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to jeffersons design and specifications in the joinery.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. This revolving bookstand is a reproduction of the original found in thomas jefferson s home, monticello, and is crafted of mahogany with a handpolished finish. We were asked to quote and build a thomas jefferson revolving book stand, by a parent at the ambrose school, as a class project for the schools annual auction. The five sided rotating bookstand, now referred to as the thomas jefferson bookstand, could only make me wonder how curious and studious a. Other scholars believe that jefferson designed the bookstand for himself allowing him to hold several books open at the same time, without spreading them across a table. This revolving stand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to jefferson s design and specifications in the joiners shop on. One can imagine him turning the stand, completely engrossed, consulting five books at once to find the answer to a burning question.
Thomas jeffersons monticello revolving bookstand among the many ingenious devices found in jeffersons cabinet, this one perhaps most clearly suggests jeffersons passion for knowledge. I recently built a replica of thomas jeffersons revolving book stand. Thomas jeffersons revolving book stand lawyer, politician, hobby architect and prolific inventor, but more important true american pioneer, with succeeding in all that fields and more it is certainly required to have a keen passion for knowledge. Posts in revolving bookstand thomas jeffersons monticello. He also designed beds for his home that were built into alcoves on webs of rope hung from hooks, as well as automatic doors for his parlor.
Minister to france from 17851789, jefferson discovered that all of his mail was being opened and read by the french postmasters. There is very little information about the original book stand, but from what i was able to glean from the monticello website, thomas jefferson had it built in 1810 at the joinery, which was the workshop at monticello, out of solid walnut. The eighteenth century was a time of extensive migration in virginia as. The inventions of thomas jefferson interesting thing of. Merging archaeology, material culture, and social history, the author reveals the story of shadwell, the birthplace of thomas jefferson and home to his parents, jane and peter jefferson, their eight children, and more than sixty.
Jefferson is credited with inventing a macaroni machine, a revolving chair with a leg rest and writing arm, and new types of iron plows created especially for hillside plowing. Several weeks ago we were asked to quote and build a thomas jefferson revolving book stand, by a parent at the ambrose school, as a class project for the schools annual auction. The woodwrights shop thomas jeffersons bookstand season. Roy underhill will present the construction of jeffersons revolving bookstand and ideas about furniture that jefferson likely encountered in france. While jefferson was an amatuer woodworker jefferson had his own workshop upstairs at monticello, many authorities believe that the bookstand was created at jeffersons joinery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the rss 2. Thomas jefferson revolving book stand custom furniture and. Im talking about thomas jefferson just so we are clear. Replica of thomas jefferson s revolving bookstand made from black walnut with a natural finish, same as original. Our revolving bookstand is a linebyline reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from thomas jefferson s own design. Judeochristian stained glass graphics illuminated cabinet c0216.
As many as five books could be placed on it at a time. It was designed to swivel 360 degrees and hold five books. Legend has it that thomas jefferson designed this bookstand in 1810 and had one built out of walnut. He wanted a way to send and receive secret messages. Fortunately, i was able to find the plans for this project on his woodwrights school.
Jefferson, ever the student, was constantly studying. As many as five books or letters could be placed on it at a time. His own habits had been formed over thirty years beforeat the tables of parisian philosophes and in the vineyards of burgundy and bordeaux. He needed to reference multiple sources, but found finding, opening and closing books cumbersome and timewasting. The third president of the united states and the author of the declaration of independence, thomas jefferson was a powerful man who helped shaped the future of america.
Monticello sits atop a lofty hill in albemarle county, virginia, not far from the birthplace of thomas jefferson, its creator and most prominent resident, who. This jefferson book stand, found in monticello, is reproduced by johnsonarts, a workshop, makeground, imagineering design center and studio, specializing in. Thomas jeffersonstyle revolving bookstand autumndoucet. Its become another project on my long list of projects. Thomas and his three sisters were taught by the family tutor in a little schoolhouse in the side yard. Monticello revolving bookstand our revolving bookstand is a line by line reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from thomas jefferson s own design. Thomas jefferson was a lifelong reader and learner who by 1814 had accumulated over 6000 books.
Jefferson may have conveniently placed it next to his chair in. Jefferson book stand a monticello classic woodworking network. Inward 1815 thomas jefferson ceded atomic number 2 never used the bible sold when referring to the transaction the bookcases consisted of boxes arranged in three tiers. Bookstand is a linebyline reproduction of the original ingenious device found in thomas jefferson s cabinet, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from jefferson s own design. Revolving book stand the revolving bookstand was once thought to be a music stand allowing a small group of musicians could gather around it when playing.
Replica of thomas jeffersons bookstand woodworking blog. Bookstand is a linebyline reproduction of the original ingenious device found in thomas jeffersons cabinet, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from jeffersons own design. Thomas jefferson reproductions daniel hrinko box maker. After fifteen months of woodworking zen, ive finally completed my version of the thomas jeffersontype revolving bookstand. Woodworking jefferson bookcase plans pdf free download.
Merging archaeology, material culture, and social history, the author reveals the story of shadwell, the birthplace of thomas jefferson and home to his parents, jane and peter jefferson, their eight children, and more than sixty slaves. Among the many ingenious devices found in jefferson s cabinet, this one perhaps most clearly suggests jefferson s passion for knowledge. Thomas jeffersons revolving bookstand in natural walnut c022. Thomas jefferson revolving book stand custom furniture. This revolving stand, once thought to be a music stand, was probably made to jeffersons design and specifications in the joiners shop on. Among the many ingenious devices found in thomas jefferson s cabinet, the revolving book stand perhaps most clearly suggests jefferson s passion for knowledge. Has the unique swivel mechanism of the period, not todays metal lazy susan. Our revolving bookstand is a line by line reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at monticello, probably from thomas jefferson s own design. Reproductions of antiques thomas jeffersons writing desk i aural mahogany c0023. How come no one like him comes up with a new invention these days sj said. The footprint, when closed is inches 33 cm square. Jefferson may have conveniently placed it next to his chair in his readingandwriting arrangement in the cabinet. Monticello revolving bookstand thomas jefferson, jefferson. Jefferson book stand a monticello classic woodworking.
Feb 14, 2010 they struggle with things like how to accurately place elements in the model and when to make components they asked me for another demonstration showing how i go about these things. May 20, 2012 the five sided rotating bookstand, now referred to as the thomas jefferson bookstand, could only make me wonder how curious and studious a man jefferson must have been. It folds down into a onefoot cube and opens to hold up to five books simulataneously. Holding multiple books at adjustable angles, it is well suited for crosschecking information from several sources while keeping reference works handy. How to make a thomas jefferson jeffersonian bookstand with. Made of solid mahogany with a soft, handpolished finish, the rotating table top book stand holds five books at adjustable angles on rests that fold down. I also have some details about the history and construction of the jefferson bookstand on my blog. Two of these inventions include the writing desk and the jefferson revolving bookstand.
In 2007, when congressman keith ellison borrowed a quran once owned by thomas jefferson pictured above for his ceremonial oath of office, he renewed a debate as old as the american republic. This guy is an idol for me i really think he is a cool guy. There are 30 mortise and tenon joints all cut by hand, with a chisel, moving filletser plane, marking gauge and a saw. Recently theres also been some interest in thomas jeffersons bookstand. When assembled the hanging book shelf is about an inch from vertical at the bottom picture attached. Reproduction revolving bookstand in the online monticello shop.
As always, these demonstrations will concentrate on period methods of workmanship, and closeup video monitoring will show the processes in detail. Thomas jefferson the revolving bookstand was once thought to be a music stand allowing a small group of musicians could gather around it when playing. So, he invented this revolving book stand which allowed him to quickly and easily view five books. Thomas jefferson revolving book stand latch finewoodworking. The jeffersons at shadwell, susan kern, yale, 2010, 320 pages, hardback purchase. This entry was posted on tuesday, april 8th, 2014 at 4. At least three hallmarks of thomas jeffersons character and interests date to his time in piedmont, monticello, and the poplar forest. Replica of thomas jeffersons bookstand woodworking. Islam and the founders by denise spellberg in this months revolving bookstand feature. As luck would have it, both my sons attend ambrose, and my wife is a 4th grade teacher there, so it was a given that i would. Constructed of solid walnut, the cubeshaped stand has five adjustable rests for holding. Thomas jeffersons laptop writing desk mental floss. The woodwrights schooltime downloadable plans jeffersons bookstand.
The inventions of thomas jefferson interesting thing of the day. Jerrodk, beniven likes this among the many ingenious devices found in jeffersons cabinet, this one perhaps most clearly suggests jeffersons passion for knowledge. The joinery is essentially a bunch of breadboard clamps with haunched mortise and tenons. Reproductions of antiques thomas jefferson s writing desk i aural mahogany c0023. Lawyer, politician, hobby architect and prolific inventor, but more important true american pioneer, with succeeding in all that fields and more it is certainly required to have a keen passion for knowledge. Bookstand is a linebyline reproduction of the original ingenious device found in thomas jeffersons cabinet, which was made in the joinery at monticello. This jefferson book stand, found in monticello, is reproduced by johnsonarts, a workshop, makeground, imagineering design center and studio, specializing in customdesigned and built furniture.
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