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Gene Landon
- Thread starter Tom M
- Start date
Sadly, our organization has lost a true giant and one of our founding fathers. Gene Landon has passed away on June 1. Gene?s body of work both as a builder and as a teacher is second to none. Those of us who were so fortunate to have studied under him or perhaps toured the magnificent home he and his wife shared in Montoursville, Pa. where hundreds of some of the finest reproductions are displayed. Gene has inspired hundreds and perhaps thousands of individuals to challenge themselves to exceed all of their previous expectations. Many of these students were hobbyists but many more such as myself were professionals who brought their standard of work to a much higher level both in quality and in the breadth of their repertoire. I encourage many more of the membership to share their stories. I suspect there are many. This is the link to Gene?s obituary.
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/564722/Eugene-E--Landon.html?nav=5012
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/564722/Eugene-E--Landon.html?nav=5012
rchampagne
Well-known member
Wow,
Sorry to hear about Gene's passing. I did not know him, but have admired his work and enjoyed reading his articles in FWW and in the annual publication. I was always very impressed with the pictures of his workshop, too. He was certainly a master of the craft .
Rob
Sorry to hear about Gene's passing. I did not know him, but have admired his work and enjoyed reading his articles in FWW and in the annual publication. I was always very impressed with the pictures of his workshop, too. He was certainly a master of the craft .
Rob
Sad news indeed. It's hard to believe that it was 10 years ago that Gene gave me the grand tour of his shop and house. He was always kind and generous to me whenever I asked for advice and that's how I will remember him. I must agree he will be missed and we are all poorer for his passing.
Craig
Craig
In memoriam
My first exposure to Gene Landon came through an article in one of the very early, circa or pre-1980 black and white issues of FWW magazine. Upon reading this article it intrigued me that anyone would bury walnut logs in the mud to preserve and season them for future use in building furniture - supposedly just like the old-timers did! I immediately knew that someday I had to meet this person; little did I realize when, where or how this might happen.
My opportunity to interact with Gene came about completely fortuitously through a random discussion at dinner during a weekend workshop that Steve Latta organized at Thaddeus Stevens College in the summer of 2003. I heard about this place at bit down the road from Lancaster - not exactly sure where this was at first - called Olde Mill something or other run by a Bess someone where they did week-end workshops and made amazing pieces of furniture and even welcomed complete novices to participate. Not sure if Landon was even mentioned but thank goodness for the web in helping me find this place. Not only were the furniture projects amazing and the pictures spectacular, lo and behold, Gene Landon was associated! I am not sure how anyone else made his or her way to OMCS but I strongly suspect that Gene played a role in this for many.
A couple of observations based upon my interactions and experiences with Gene at OMCS:
(a) recidivism rate is extremely high - in this circumstance a very positive indicator
(b) several similar stories of people like me first showing up there with brand new tools directly from the big box store not knowing which end of the chisel, plane, or whatever to hold who ultimately were kindly and professionally guided and nurtured into the art and craft of reproducing very sophisticated 18th century furniture
(c) hilarious stories, extremely sharp and keen wit, open and curious mind tinged with a tad of bias towards the Philadelphia style
(d) development of good and long lasting friendships between Gene and the students, Bess and the students, and among the students themselves
(e) amazing, truly amazing, scope of furniture projects reproduced with nary a repeat
(f) philosophy towards teaching based heavily upon inspiration with some instruction thrown in when necessary
(g) am still waiting for anything "....to carve itself...", but have come to realize that I'd better learn how to carve it
(h) long list of former students who continue to challenge themselves to emulate the skill of the master
(i) openness and willingness to share knowledge and experience
(j) passion for studying, reproducing and repairing period furniture and figuring out how this was done by the original makers
Gene, you are dearly missed by many people beyond your immediate family and relatives and if I ever make it to the same great place where you now are, I know exactly the first place to inquire about how you are doing and what you are up to - of course that will be at the woodshop most likely sharing tips and quips with the Garvan carver(s) and other Philadelphia luminaries!
Paul Williard
Providence, Rhode Island
My first exposure to Gene Landon came through an article in one of the very early, circa or pre-1980 black and white issues of FWW magazine. Upon reading this article it intrigued me that anyone would bury walnut logs in the mud to preserve and season them for future use in building furniture - supposedly just like the old-timers did! I immediately knew that someday I had to meet this person; little did I realize when, where or how this might happen.
My opportunity to interact with Gene came about completely fortuitously through a random discussion at dinner during a weekend workshop that Steve Latta organized at Thaddeus Stevens College in the summer of 2003. I heard about this place at bit down the road from Lancaster - not exactly sure where this was at first - called Olde Mill something or other run by a Bess someone where they did week-end workshops and made amazing pieces of furniture and even welcomed complete novices to participate. Not sure if Landon was even mentioned but thank goodness for the web in helping me find this place. Not only were the furniture projects amazing and the pictures spectacular, lo and behold, Gene Landon was associated! I am not sure how anyone else made his or her way to OMCS but I strongly suspect that Gene played a role in this for many.
A couple of observations based upon my interactions and experiences with Gene at OMCS:
(a) recidivism rate is extremely high - in this circumstance a very positive indicator
(b) several similar stories of people like me first showing up there with brand new tools directly from the big box store not knowing which end of the chisel, plane, or whatever to hold who ultimately were kindly and professionally guided and nurtured into the art and craft of reproducing very sophisticated 18th century furniture
(c) hilarious stories, extremely sharp and keen wit, open and curious mind tinged with a tad of bias towards the Philadelphia style
(d) development of good and long lasting friendships between Gene and the students, Bess and the students, and among the students themselves
(e) amazing, truly amazing, scope of furniture projects reproduced with nary a repeat
(f) philosophy towards teaching based heavily upon inspiration with some instruction thrown in when necessary
(g) am still waiting for anything "....to carve itself...", but have come to realize that I'd better learn how to carve it
(h) long list of former students who continue to challenge themselves to emulate the skill of the master
(i) openness and willingness to share knowledge and experience
(j) passion for studying, reproducing and repairing period furniture and figuring out how this was done by the original makers
Gene, you are dearly missed by many people beyond your immediate family and relatives and if I ever make it to the same great place where you now are, I know exactly the first place to inquire about how you are doing and what you are up to - of course that will be at the woodshop most likely sharing tips and quips with the Garvan carver(s) and other Philadelphia luminaries!
Paul Williard
Providence, Rhode Island
steve lash
Member
On January 24, 2000 Gene Landon was the keynote speaker at the first meeting of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers. The meeting was held at Williamsburg and Harold Ionson received the first Cartouche Award.
As president of the SAPFM, I had the honor of introducing Gene.
REMARKS INTRODUCING GENE LANDON:
? In 1980, Rick Mastelli wrote an article for Fine Woodworking entitled ?In Search of Period Furniture Makers ? What they do about what the ?old guys? did.? Of the six superb craftsmen interviewed, three are here tonight. One was Mack Headley, who we will hear from during the conference, one was Harold Ionson, and one was Eugene Landon; tonight?s featured speaker.
? For the Society of American Period Furniture Makers to get off the ground, Mickey (Callahan) and I knew we needed some credibility. We needed a period furniture maker with impeccable credentials and an outstanding national reputation who was willing to take a leap of faith and join and assist us in the formation of our new group. We did not have to look long or far. After learning that we had legitimate aspirations, Gene called me last summer and agreed to come on board.
? I had the opportunity of visiting with Gene last month at the ?Mecca in Montoursville.? I knew of Gene by reputation and had seen his work in the many articles he had written or in which he was featured, but I was unprepared for the culture shock I received upon entering his home and shop. It is the period furniture maker?s mother lode. He not only furnished his home with a prodigious amount of exquisitely accurate reproductions; copies of pieces he has restored or had examined and knew inside out, he also built the house; and constructed all the architectural details. Aside from being a master cabinetmaker, dedicated to the way of the old guys, Gene is also a clock maker, a collector, a history buff, and a respected consultant to leading museum curators, and other collectors and antique dealers.
? Many of you here tonight are Gene?s dedicated students and are familiar with his gentle musings and enthusiasm for the craft.
I have the distinct honor and take great pleasure in introducing Gene Landon.
Comments following Gene Landon?s presentation:
? Thank you Gene. When I was leaving Gene?s shop, being the skeptic that I am, I said ?OK Gene, where is your cordless drill? Without missing a beat, Gene said ?Right here.? And opened a drawer and showed me a collection of 18th century hand braces. Amazing! Gene?s family goes back about three centuries in this country. I think that if we outfitted him correctly and put him back into 1750 Philadelphia, he would not miss a beat.
I will miss him.
Steve Lash
As president of the SAPFM, I had the honor of introducing Gene.
REMARKS INTRODUCING GENE LANDON:
? In 1980, Rick Mastelli wrote an article for Fine Woodworking entitled ?In Search of Period Furniture Makers ? What they do about what the ?old guys? did.? Of the six superb craftsmen interviewed, three are here tonight. One was Mack Headley, who we will hear from during the conference, one was Harold Ionson, and one was Eugene Landon; tonight?s featured speaker.
? For the Society of American Period Furniture Makers to get off the ground, Mickey (Callahan) and I knew we needed some credibility. We needed a period furniture maker with impeccable credentials and an outstanding national reputation who was willing to take a leap of faith and join and assist us in the formation of our new group. We did not have to look long or far. After learning that we had legitimate aspirations, Gene called me last summer and agreed to come on board.
? I had the opportunity of visiting with Gene last month at the ?Mecca in Montoursville.? I knew of Gene by reputation and had seen his work in the many articles he had written or in which he was featured, but I was unprepared for the culture shock I received upon entering his home and shop. It is the period furniture maker?s mother lode. He not only furnished his home with a prodigious amount of exquisitely accurate reproductions; copies of pieces he has restored or had examined and knew inside out, he also built the house; and constructed all the architectural details. Aside from being a master cabinetmaker, dedicated to the way of the old guys, Gene is also a clock maker, a collector, a history buff, and a respected consultant to leading museum curators, and other collectors and antique dealers.
? Many of you here tonight are Gene?s dedicated students and are familiar with his gentle musings and enthusiasm for the craft.
I have the distinct honor and take great pleasure in introducing Gene Landon.
Comments following Gene Landon?s presentation:
? Thank you Gene. When I was leaving Gene?s shop, being the skeptic that I am, I said ?OK Gene, where is your cordless drill? Without missing a beat, Gene said ?Right here.? And opened a drawer and showed me a collection of 18th century hand braces. Amazing! Gene?s family goes back about three centuries in this country. I think that if we outfitted him correctly and put him back into 1750 Philadelphia, he would not miss a beat.
I will miss him.
Steve Lash
Mickey Callahan
Well-known member
I can still remember my drive to Gene's home in PA back in December of 1999 and arriving on a gloomy, rainy day that was to become SAPFM's first real day of existence and my first meeting with Gene. Walking into Gene's home (or some say "museum") was like walking into the past with a warmth of hospitality from he and his wife Jane that I will never forget. It was on that cold and damp day that Steve Lash, Steve Latta, Brian Coe, Quentin Wheeler, myself and Gene laid the ground work that is SAPFM today. Gene had called me to say that he wanted to be involved with the new organization and invited us to his home so we could all sit around his dining table and discuss what SAPFM's mission and goals should be. Without the wonderful hospitality of both he and his wife, who knows where SAPFM would be today? I also remember seeing his workshop for the first time and was simply in awe with his collection of wooden planes and hand tools. However, of all the planes he had, he was particulary proud of his spill plane. Wherever Gene is now, I'm sure he'll be at the ready with that little plane.
There is no doubt that Gene was a master and a friend to all who had a love of period furniture making and he will be greatly missed. Now that he is gone, may the memory of his friendship and his sharing of knowledge with so many live on in our hearts and minds and may his family find peace and love at this difficult time.
Mickey
There is no doubt that Gene was a master and a friend to all who had a love of period furniture making and he will be greatly missed. Now that he is gone, may the memory of his friendship and his sharing of knowledge with so many live on in our hearts and minds and may his family find peace and love at this difficult time.
Mickey
G
gvforster
Guest
I first met Gene back in '90 or '91, when I took a weekend class at Olde Mill Cabinet Shoppe.
Gene brought some of the pieces he was working on (including the spice box on frame he was making for his wife). We all stood in awe, looking at the unacheivable, and then Gene told us and showed us that WE could, with perserverance and practice and desire, build this exquisite furniture . And we have, with big steps and small steps ... all the while following in the steps of a giant.
Thankyou Gene.
Gene brought some of the pieces he was working on (including the spice box on frame he was making for his wife). We all stood in awe, looking at the unacheivable, and then Gene told us and showed us that WE could, with perserverance and practice and desire, build this exquisite furniture . And we have, with big steps and small steps ... all the while following in the steps of a giant.
Thankyou Gene.
jimfallonct
New member
I to had the privilege of taking some classes from Gene. I first met him at the Brookfield Craft Center where he was teaching hand cut dovetails. I had somehow come up with a reversed dovetail and he simply smiled and told me it was okay and encouraged me to keep at woodworking. He had a way of making everyone feel talented and accomplished in whatever they produced. Years later and multiple courses at Olde Mill for carving, chair and highboy projects he exposed me to levels I could never have achieved on my own. Who could forget the meals at Cracker Barrell, the political conversations while listening to classical music and his patience and willingness to share his knowledge. He would spend 12 hours a day teaching even after he had his car accident and his back was bothering him. He went around the class making sure everyone understood the project we were trying to complete either over a weekend or week long class. His appreciation for the craftsman that preceded us was engaging as he would explain how they figured everything out. I will miss him....
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