Business Details
46 Years
experience
Museum-Quality Custom Furniture in Woodbury, TN
Alfred Sharp Cabinetmaker has been crafting museum-quality custom furniture for over 30 years, combining traditional hand-tool techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. Our work is rooted in the 18th-century American style, though we also specialize in 19th- and 20th-century historical reproductions and original pieces that merge classical proportions with modern aesthetics. Each creation is commissioned specifically for the client, ensuring a perfect alignment with their vision and requirements. Our process emphasizes collaboration with discerning clients, curators, and designers to produce one-of-a-kind furniture that meets exacting standards. Alf Sharp, the founder, brings decades of expertise in relief carving, inlay, marquetry, and French polishing, having completed commissions for historical homes, museums, and private collections nationwide.Recognized with the 2008 Cartouche Award from the Society of American Period Furnituremakers, our work has been featured in prominent publications and exhibitions. We maintain affiliations with leading arts institutions, including the Furniture Society and Tennessee Association of Craft Artists. Visits to our Woodbury, Tennessee workshop are available by appointment for those seeking bespoke furniture solutions. Our commitment to quality ensures no compromises in materials or craftsmanship, reflecting a dedication to preserving old-world techniques while embracing innovation. This philosophy has earned us respect within the furniture-making community and among collectors, designers, and cultural institutions across the United States.
Services
Custom Cabinets
Museum-Quality Furniture
Historical Reproductions
Wood Carving
Furniture Restoration
Inlay & Marquetry
Private Commissions
Workshop Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in historical and contemporary furniture design.
- Our work has been commissioned for museums and historical homes nationwide.
- We specialize in traditional hand-tool techniques like marquetry and French polishing.
- Custom designs are tailored to client specifications, from photos or original concepts.
- Founder Alf Sharp is a respected figure in the furniture-making community and arts institutions.
Associations and certifications
- Society of American Period Furnituremakers
Services
Custom Cabinets
We create custom cabinets tailored to client specifications using traditional hand-tool techniques. Our work combines historical accuracy with modern functionality, ensuring each piece complements its intended space. Clients may provide drawings, photos, or collaborate on original designs for unique installations.
Museum-Quality Furniture
Specializing in 18th-century American style furniture, we produce museum-grade pieces for institutions and collectors. Our process replicates period techniques while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic authenticity. Each commission undergoes rigorous craftsmanship standards to ensure historical accuracy and lasting value.
Wood Carving
Our wood carving services include high and low relief designs for furniture accents and standalone art pieces. Alf Sharp's expertise in traditional carving methods ensures intricate details that enhance both classical and contemporary designs. Clients may request specific patterns or collaborate on original motifs.
Inlay & Marquetry
We offer inlay and marquetry services to create intricate decorative patterns on furniture surfaces. This technique involves embedding contrasting wood pieces to form detailed designs, enhancing the visual appeal of custom commissions. Our methods preserve historical techniques while incorporating modern materials.
Private Commissions
We accept private commissions for one-of-a-kind furniture pieces across all styles. The process begins with client consultation to understand functional requirements and aesthetic preferences. Our workshop produces detailed prototypes before final fabrication, ensuring complete satisfaction with the finished product.
People
Alf Sharp
Owner & Master Cabinetmaker
Alf Sharp is a master furniture maker with over 30 years of experience in historical and contemporary designs. He has completed commissions for museums, historical homes, and private collections nationwide. His work has earned recognition including the 2008 Cartouche Award from the Society of American Period Furnituremakers.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialize in?
We specialize in museum-quality custom furniture spanning 18th-century American styles, historical reproductions, and contemporary designs incorporating traditional techniques.
Can you create custom pieces from client designs?
Yes, we accept commissions based on client-provided drawings, photos, or original concepts for fully customized furniture solutions.
Do you work with historical institutions?
Yes, we've completed commissions for museums, historical homes, and cultural institutions including the Parthenon in Nashville and the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts.
What techniques do you use in your work?
Our techniques include traditional hand-tool methods like marquetry, inlay, and French polishing, alongside modern woodworking practices for structural integrity.
Can I visit your workshop?
Workshop visits are available by appointment for clients interested in discussing custom commissions or observing our furniture-making process.
