This page collects articles, notes, and reference materials on medieval and Renaissance woodworking. Topics range from tools and joinery techniques to furniture, finishing, and the timber trade. While many of these resources began as class notes or research collections, they now serve as a reference point for anyone interested in the history of woodworking in the Middle Ages.
Bibliographies & Reading
- Bibliography of Medieval Woodworking Tools – A reference list of works on medieval and Renaissance woodworking tools.
- Medieval Furniture Bibliography – Key works on the history of medieval and Renaissance furniture.
- Reading List – Useful books and articles for those beginning their study of medieval woodworking.
Research Articles
- The Northern European Timber Trade – Overview of medieval trade routes in the Baltic and Rhine regions.
- Interior Decoration & Furniture of the Italian Renaissance – English summary of Frida Schottmüller’s classic 1920 study.
- Woods Used in the Middle Ages & Renaissance – Notes on the properties and applications of period timbers.
- A Brief History of Medieval European Joinery – A short study of joinery techniques in medieval carpentry.
- Finishing Techniques in Medieval and Renaissance Woodworking – Notes on methods of oiling, varnishing, and surface treatment.
Museum Notes
- Furniture at The Cloisters (New York) – A survey of medieval furniture on display.
- Medieval & Renaissance Chests – Notes from a lecture on chest construction and symbolism.
- French Woodworking at the Cluny Museum – Observations and photographs of medieval woodworking at the Musée de Cluny in Paris.
Teaching & Guides
- Introduction to Medieval Woodworking – Lecture notes and resource handouts.
- Getting Started in Woodworking – A beginner’s overview for those new to the craft.
Reviews & Notes
- Review: Marples Blue Chip Chisels
- Review: Tried & True Varnish Oil