Furniture Institute of Massachusetts

The Furniture Making Program at FIM is dedicated to excellence in the art of classical woodworking techniques. Functional contemporary furniture design and construction are also explored in a creative environment based on each student's vision and individual portfolio devolopment. The intent is to prepare participants for a career in furniture making and related fields. Mastering machine skills as well as hand tools not only ensures high quality workmanship but also provides the experience and knowledge necessary for success in woodworking trades. A thorough study of classical furniture will establish a foundation that will allow for growth and expansion for years to come. We have a program designed to teach the traditional woodworking techniques that have for centuries proven successful in building the worlds masterpieces. The Fulltime Program has a small class student teacher ratio that allows students to excell in the art of woodworking.

Philip C. Lowe has been involved with woodworking since 1968 and is the author of many articles in Fine Woodworking Magazine. He is featured in the Time Life series on woodworking and in videos with the Taunton Press on “Carve a Ball and Claw Foot”, “Making a Sheraton Bed”, “Measuring Furniture for Reproduction”, and most recently numerous webcasts on www.finewoodworking.com. His teaching experience includes ten years (1975-1985) as an instructor at Boston’s North Bennett Street School fulfilling the position of department head for the latter five. Phil has been a visiting instructor, seminar speaker and demonstrator at various trade schools, private schools, and woodworking organizations throughout the United States and Canada. He holds a teaching certificate in vocational education for the state of Massachusetts. Since 1985 he has owned and operated a custom furniture making shop in Beverly, MA. Though he continues to produce classical furniture and architectural elements for museums and the private sector, it is not unusual to find him immersed in the world of furniture conservation. Phil currently serves in the capacity of Furniture Conservation Practitioner for the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. In 2005, Phil received the Cartouche Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society of American Period Furniture Makers, and in 2010 he was granted the 2010 Bulfinch Award for Artisanship presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America.