Living in the Philadelphia suburbs, Alan works both from his home shop and a larger industrial shop in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. He occasionally sells small production runs of benches and stools through a local shop (Jasuta Urban Interiors, 122 Arch Street, Philadelphia). However, the bulk of his work is commission-based, custom-designed furniture. Alan enjoys the process of working directly with clients to create pieces that fulfill the client’s personal preferences and functional specifications.
Materials. Alan pays significant attention to the quality of his materials. He favors domestic hardwoods, with cherry and maple being particular favorites. The Pennsylvania region is a major producer of fine cabinet hardwoods, and he has developed strong relationships with local mills throughout the region. For each new commission, Alan identifies and selects the most appropriate and beautiful materials, whether that comes from his network of suppliers or his own extensive inventory of domestic and exotic lumber. Alan maintains a large collection of wood, ranging from fifty-year old mahogany to richly figured tropicals, which enables him to select and use the most appropriate material for each element of a piece, from a large tabletop to a tiny drawer pull.
Design and Details. Alan is equally concerned with the quality of his overall designs and their specific decorative details. Many pieces are built from a flitch (consecutive boards from a single log) in order to ensure consistent grain and color throughout. Where possible, surfaces are handplaned to their final finish, giving clarity and depth to the grain that is impossible to achieve with sandpaper (the more common, “modern” method of smoothing wood). Decorative details are carefully considered to act in harmony with the overall piece, creating a balance between the plain and the fussy.
Construction. Although his work ranges in style and influence, Alan prefers to build in the 18th century style, at least in terms of joinery and structure. Many of these techniques are thousands of years old, but reached their zenith during the 1700’s when furniture design experienced an intense period of innovation, refinement and sophistication. These traditional methods of construction have demonstrated their durability, having withstood that most important test – time.
Tools. While he willingly uses machines to improve efficiencies, Alan firmly believes that most joints are best executed or fitted with handtools. Solid-side carcasses are joined with either through or lapped dovetails; tenons are handfitted with planes at the time of assembly; drawers are handbuilt and tuned one at a time—all in order to ensure a perfect fit and flawless performance each time the piece is used. He cuts his own figured veneers. Alan maintains and regularly uses an extensive collection of new and antique handtools that, in the hands of collectors, would only be displayed. Instead, Alan enjoys tuning and working with this collection of tools nearly as much as he enjoys designing and building the furniture itself.
Finishes. Alan’s choice and use of finishes is an integral part of his furniture. Wood is a tactile material; a good finish, properly selected and applied, both invites and rewards the touch. Alan relies on traditional shellac, boiled linseed oil and varnish as his primary finishes, refined by hand rubbing and paste wax. Where appropriate or necessary, Alan also works with alternative finishes, including various lacquer formulas and conversion varnishes.
Color. Wood coloring is another important area of expertise. In some cases – whether to match an existing piece or room color, to draw out the grain or figure of a plank, or to create a sense of unity or action within a particular design – Alan relies on his knowledge of dyes and pigments, and their use in stains and glazes, to create the desired effect.
Prices. Prices are based on the materials to be used and the amount of time required to build each piece. Final prices are fixed at the time Alan and the client agree on the final design. In some cases, a design fee may be charged; if the design results in a finished piece, the design fee is credited to the final price. Color samples and designs are to be signed upon approval. Payment terms are one third upon design acceptance (unless there is a design fee), one third upon ordering materials, and one third upon delivery. Delivery times will vary, and are estimated at the point of design acceptance. Any transportation costs are in addition to the price of the piece; clients are invited and encouraged to arrange for pick-up.
Guarantee. Alan Turner guarantees his work against defects in workmanship for his lifetime, and will gladly repair or replace any piece which is damaged (except as the result of neglect or abuse). This guarantee does not include transportation expenses.
Website Credits. For the photographs on this site, my thanks go to Garth Herrick, a Philadelphia portrait artist who is also an excellent photographer. The Newport desk was photographed by Loren Hienle. For the website design and photo-editing, my thanks to Daniel Turner, of Portland, Oregon. For the back end of the site, for that which makes it all work, my thanks to David Turner, of Somerville, Mass. For the several photographs of lesser quality, I am responsible. This site is operated using only free software.
