RENAISSANCE MAN a Tribute to Robert C

Profiles The Whitley Rocker. After several iterations, this became one of Bob’s most commercially successful pieces. Its clean lines and flowing curves impart a timeless look that suits any setting. It is extremely comfortable and the silky smooth hand- rubbed oil finish is a pleasure to touch.

Past master. This stunning piece is a reproduction of a high chest that was originally owned by Stacy Potts (1731-1816), a Pennsylvania legislator and Trenton, NJ mayor. Whitley built it for a descendent of Mr. Potts. The consummate RENAISSANCE MAN A tribute to Robert C. Whitley By Craig Bentzley

n June 1, 2020, the into the 20th century, produc- National Endowment for the of the grain and luring out woodworking world lost ing exquisite contemporary Arts award. He also success- the overall personality of the Oa grand master when furniture. fully produced and marketed a wood. He was equally com- Robert Whitley passed away. There isn’t enough room selection of his pieces, includ- fortable with brushing shellac, Whitley was the consummate here to list all of Whitley’s ing a beautiful, comfortable spraying lacquer, or hand-rub- Renaissance man, fluent in his- major commissions and rocker that he built in batches bing an oil finish. He would tory, the arts and just about any awards. He built countless of ten. These “Whitley Rock- often have four or five pieces in other subject that you might museum-quality reproduc- ers” occasionally turn up for the finishing room, each with a engage him in if you were lucky tions of high-end 18th and sale online, and have proven different type of finish. enough to catch him relaxing. 19th century pieces. His to retain their value well into One of the projects he was But his primary passion was contemporary work resides the 21st century. most proud of was his copy of woodworking, and his palette in the Renwick Gallery of the In the workshop, Whitley the “Resolute” desk that resides spanned centuries. Capable of Smithsonian American Art was adept at just about any in the White House Oval Office. crafting immaculate reproduc- Museum in Washington, D.C., operation, whether rough (See page 52). Commissioned tions of classic 18th-century as well as the Museum of Arts milling, carving, joinery, or in 1978 for permanent display designs, Whitley’s background and Design in New York City. anything else. But his favorite in the John F. Kennedy Library in art and sculpture allowed His celebrated “Throne Chair” wheelhouse was finishing. He and Museum in Boston, the him to easily cross the bridge was the 1980 winner of the loved coaxing out the nuances piece took nearly a year to com-

On a Personal Note I had the great fortune not only to know Bob Whitley as a friend, but to work alongside him for a few years—a dream come true for me. As a budding woodworker in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the 1970s I was well aware of Whitley’s reputation for Winning inspiration. The “Throne unparalleled expertise in the craft, and was lucky enough to finally meet him in the Chair,” which won the 1980 National early 1980s. Over time, we became close, and enjoyed many long discussions in the Endowment for the Arts award, was tranquility of his Japanese-style tea house. The topics usually focused on the appreciation inspired by a massive oak wainscot chair of beauty in both art and nature, as well as modern society’s indifference to it. Whitley saw in Scotland. Although the In addition to Bob’s relentless passion for woodworking, he was also a believer original was more rectilinear, age had in holistic living and leading a healthy lifestyle. I came to realize that he was a man softened the hard edges and shrinkage of his word, which is a rare commodity in today’s world. It’s true that he didn’t caused the pegs to protrude from their suffer fools, and could be a stern taskmaster. However he was equally effusive joints, contributing to this interpretation. with praise for a job well done. I’ll miss him. Rest in peace, my friend. –C.B.

plete. Whitley spent three days A truly excellent design–one that is pleasing to the eye, graceful in the Oval Office measuring in line and serves a practical function–this will survive the trends and photographing the original under tight security while then- and fads of the times and will retain its classic beauty forever.” President Jimmy Carter was on —Robert C. Whitley a trip to Germany. Other his- The boy was an eager student, missions for reproduction view that—regardless of the torical commissions—includ- quickly absorbing his father’s work while simultaneously project—the wood should take ing a reproduction of Thomas instruction as to what makes developing contemporary top billing. Like Nakashima, Jefferson’s swivel chair—reside great furniture. After attend- pieces of his own design. In Whitley sourced much of his in Philadelphia’s Independence ing the Trenton School of Arts, addition to his ambitious wood locally, using the best Hall, Carpenter’s Hall, and the young man took on many workload, he purchased stock he could find, and usu- Franklin Court. diverse jobs, including work- thirteen acres outside New ally directing the sawyer as As to his own history, ing as a cowboy and a welder. Hope, Pennsylvania, where he to how he wanted the wood Whitley was born in 1924 in Then, in 1948, he started the built a home and workshop processed. the formerly rural outskirts area’s first flea market, along complex. By the mid-1970s For the rest of his life until of Trenton, New Jersey to a with a business restoring and he dominated the wood- his informal retirement in school teacher mother and a selling furniture. A year later, working landscape in Bucks 2011, Bob Whitley did right father who loved antique furni- a young Ervin Hart began County Pennsylvania, along by the craft he loved. He lived ture. The senior Whitley would his 60-year stint as Whitley’s with George Nakashima, his his 95 years on earth fully, and bring young Bob to auctions trusted and devoted assistant. famous woodworking contem- leaves behind a legacy of work to buy pieces that they would As his skills and reputation porary. Although their styles that most of us can only aspire then clean and restore together. grew, Whitley garnered com- differed, they both shared the to. But we’d do well to try. n