My new book “Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture” is featured in the July/August 2020 issue of Woodworker West magazine. Editor Ron Goldman got in touch with me recently and included a four-page essay about the book, and about my examination of the Byrdcliffe Iris Desk, one of the pieces featured in the book. As an independent author/publisher I appreciate the exposure, as my promotional budget is rather small. If you’d like to see the entire issue, visit the Woodworker West website where you can purchase a digital issue, a print issue or subscribe.
Here is a portion of what Ron had to say about me:
Bob W. Lang has produced a new edition to his series of Craftsmen-style Shop Drawing books. Ranging from furniture to interiors, the books include accurate shop drawings of work by Gustav Stickley, Charles & Henry Greene, and others — taken from actual antique pieces — with complete material lists.
In his new book, he explores the lesser-known – but highly-significant – work done by New York’s Byrdcliffe Colony. Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture (228 pages, $45) provides the historical background on the craftsmen, as well as drawings, detailed plans, and material lists for 28 pieces of desks, case goods, tables, blanket chests, wall cabinets, chairs, and stools.
In this essay, Bob explains his discovery of the Iris Desk and his thoughts, before undertaking the project. Plans and drawings of this piece are included. This book is currently available in a soft cover print edition or as a downloadable PDF at https://readwatchdo.com/. In addition, full-size carving patterns are available.
Bob has been a cabinet and furnituremaker for over 40 years, with a particular interest in the American Arts & Crafts movement. He wrote articles for WoodShop News and Fine Woodworking, before joining the staff of Popular Woodworking. His books include Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture, More Shop Drawings for Craftsman Furniture, Shop Drawings for Craftsman Interiors, Shop Drawings for Craftsman Inlays and Hardware, The Complete Kitchen Cabinetmaker, Shop Drawings for Greene & Greene Furniture, Drafting & Design for Woodworker’s, Furniture in the Southern Style, and Woodworker’s Guide to SketchUp, and Building Blocks of SketchUp.
My thanks again to Woodworker West and my readers who enjoy my work and share what they think about it with their friends.
“Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture” is available directly from me, either in a print or downloadable PDF version. Full-size patterns of the carvings are also available in PDF format for printing and use in your shop.