John Barfield has worked many years as a furniture conservator, caring for the furniture and wooden art collections of the Saint Louis Museum of Art, Missouri History Museum, Toledo Museum of Art, and other institutions in the Midwest region.
Hands-on experience with important historical and contemporary furniture in museum collections has given him a unique perspective and appreciation of good design and sound, lasting, craftsmanship.
Now working in Toledo as a designer / maker of studio furniture, he is applying those skills and insights to his own work, with an emphasis on elemental design and honesty of construction. Native, solid hardwoods and highly crafted hand joinery are primary features of his work.
Each piece is an original design made by John, keeping output small, but ensuring consistent high quality.
Hands-on experience with important historical and contemporary furniture in museum collections has given him a unique perspective and appreciation of good design and sound, lasting, craftsmanship.
Now working in Toledo as a designer / maker of studio furniture, he is applying those skills and insights to his own work, with an emphasis on elemental design and honesty of construction. Native, solid hardwoods and highly crafted hand joinery are primary features of his work.
Each piece is an original design made by John, keeping output small, but ensuring consistent high quality.