Society of American Period Furniture Makers

The Cartouche Award

Each year, the Society of American Period Furniture Makers recognizes an individual or organization whose achievements best reflect the mission of SAPFM. The Cartouche Award is SAPFM's way of acknowledging the contributions made by craftsmen, educators, conservators, and supporters, professional or hobbyist, who have inspired or instructed others, or who have simply made the world more pleasing as a result of their skillful labors. Each year, the recipient of the award is honored at the Cartouche Award banquet, held in conjunction with Colonial Williamsburg's annual conference Working Wood in the 18th Century.

The idea of presenting an award to recognize excellence in period furniture making was inspired by college football's Heisman Trophy, given annually to award outstanding performance in the field. The actual cartouche from which the bronze is cast crowns a Philadelphia tall case clock built by Gene Landon. The bronze, weighing close to five pounds, is cast by Dana Stewart in Lambertsville, NJ. An individualized brass plaque is acid-etched to raise the shell and text, while the background is textured and painted. The bronze cartouche and brass plaque are then mounted to a mahogany base made by Mickey Callahan.

Do you know someone who should be considered for the Cartouche Award? Download nomination guidelines here. Neither nominees nor those who nominate them need be members of SAPFM.