Facts About the Joiner's Shop
Joiners were skilled woodworkers who made furniture, doors, windows, and decorative finishwork, such as cornices and mantels. (Pictured: "Sketchbook of Landscapes in the State of Virginia" by Lewis Miller, ca. 1850, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
Jefferson hired white joiners to create the house's intricate woodwork and to train enslaved apprentices. (Pictured: Detail of the cornice of the Tea Room's Ellipitcal Arch, which was made in the Joiner's Shop)
Monticello joiners, free and enslaved, made some of the finest woodwork in 19th-century Virginia. (Pictured: Revolving stand attributed to the Joiner's Shop at Monticello)
People to Know: John Hemmings
Hemmings was an exceptional woodworker. After being apprenticed to a series of white artisans, he became Monticello’s head joiner. (Pictured: Jefferson’s drawing for molding in the Dome Room at Monticello, ca. 1805, Massachusetts Historical Society)
Jefferson’s grandchildren called Hemmings “Daddy” and remembered the toys and furniture he made for them. (Pictured: Cupboard made by John Hemmings circa 1820)
Hemmings was literate and spelled his surname with two m’s. He had 11 siblings, including Sally Hemings. (Pictured: Letter by John Hemmings to Jefferson's granddaughter, Septimia Anne Randolph, in 1825)
Video: The Elliptical Arch in Monticello's Library
Many of Monticello's finest architectural features were made by two highly skilled joiners, James Dinsmore, a hired worker, and enslaved woodworker John Hemmings. (Running time: 2:33)
Videos: The Basics of Joining
What is joining? Monticello's former Robert H. Smith Director of Restoration, Bob Self, demonstrates one of the classic techniques of joining: making a mortise and tenon joint. (Running time: 2:23)
Fine finishes: making moldings for Monticello (Running time: 0:53)
Prepping the stock, the first step in woodworking (Running time: 1:35)
What types of wood were used at Monticello? (Running time: 0:30)