Images(4)

Joiner's Workbench

Dateca.1750-1850, with 20th c. elements

OriginGreat Britain, England

MediumAsh, Elm, other woods, and iron/steel

DimensionsLength; 91"; Height: 31 1/2"; Width of top: 17", Thickness of top: 3 1/2"; Width across top and vise (closed); 25"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-117,1

DescriptionJoiner's workbench, with a long rectangular top with four legs mortised into the side, two adjustable dogs set into the top surface, and a vice set below the front at left. A number of holes pierce the top, including a few for its holdfast (1991-117,2). A drawer, made from an early 20th c. wood and tin crate has been mounted below the top to function as a crude drawer, opened with an iron lift handle. Rudimentary stretchers, nailed in place, secure each pair of legs.Label TextVery few workbenches from the 18th and early 19th centuries survive. Those that do often have components replaced or added over many years like the vice and legs on this example. The most important piece, the top, is original on this well-used rarity, and the heavier of its front legs, adjacent to the vise, may also be original. Two bench dogs and a holdfast (1991-117,2) and two bench dogs survive, one of which is made from the recycled blade from a double plane iron.

It is thought than when built, the bench may have been fastened to a wall for stability, only receiving its replaced back legs when it was detached for use elsewhere. Another later addition is the crude drawer, made from an early 20th crate and opened by an earlier iron lift handle.