Forbes Magazine

Article: Shaping the Past

Thomas J. MacDonald became a fine-furniture maker by accident--literally. A union carpenter for 17 years, he separated his shoulder in 1997 while laboring on Boston's Big Dig. Unable to work during his convalescence, he applied to the city's prestigious North Bennet Street School, which has beentraining craftspeople since 1885.

Favored by Home Again's Bob Vila, MacDonald's 18th-century reproductions, such as a Hepplewhite sideboard (above) that sold for $50,000, have garnered numerous accolades. Now that he's found his groove, MacDonald's interested in exploring other styles. "I need to do some carving and shaping, so I'm going to revisit some Chippendale stuff next," says the Canton, MA, furniture maker. MacDonald accepts commissions in all styles, and will work with clients to create pieces that remain true to the era that inspired them. www.thomasjmacdonald.com.

Best in Show

Tradition Body of Work

Thomas MacDonald was awarded "Best in Show" at 2006's Providence Fine Furnishings Show at the Providence Convention Center. Competing against hundreds of other furniture makers, MacDonald's work stood out as the highest quality and most creative traditional pieces at the show. The award was for "Body of Work" showing that MacDonald's mastery is expressed throughout his different pieces, each one showing his impeccable skill and attention to detail.

Pictured below you can see MacDonald's Salem Secretary on the left towering over the crowd at eight and half feet tall. While the other pieces were not as large in stature, they spoke loudly of Thomas MacDonald's quality and dedication to his work.

MacDonald's performance at the fine furnishings show proved that he truly is creating future family heirlooms.

On the Level

It Could Happen To You

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Click Here to check out Today's Woodworker's online article about Thomas titled
"From the Big Dig in Boston to the Big Prize in Providence"

Details, Details

A Big Dig casualty finds his calling replicating fine 18th-century furniture

By Debbie Hagan, Globe Correspondent | September 29, 2005

"You're talking about one of the best furniture makers today. My great-great-grandchildren will have a piece by Thomas J. MacDonald," says DeGiulio..."

Check out the Boston Globe article by clicking here