A Short History of Black Craft in Ten Objects

A beautiful book, perfect for any history or craft buff. I learned so much from reading this book and I really loved each of the 10 objects chosen. Honestly, I probably would've read a longer book with more objects if this author makes an expanded edition at some point. Finally, the illustrations throughout the book were beautifully done and provided a lot of color to the book.

This is an enlightening little book that punches above its weight. Robell Awake, a wood crafter himself, has chosen ten artifacts, some more familiar like the Gee's Bend quilt, and some less so, to bring forward the names of the artisans who crafted those items.

He makes the interesting point that, at least with respect to furniture, it's possible that the shops of white makers hid the work of the black artisans who worked there. When an antique dresser from a known shop was being disassembled in order to make repairs, the penciled signature of the black maker was found on the underside of the top where no one would ever see it.

I never knew the story of Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress, that a plumbing problem in the maker's shop meant that it had to be made twice, or that the maker arrived at Jackie's stepfather's home to deliver the wedding party's dresses only to be told she had to use the back service entrance; she said that unless she was admitted through the front door she would take all those dresses back to the city with her. She was admitted.

I would love to see this book serve as the companion to an exhibition of the quilts, clothing, pottery, and furniture made by these craftspeople. Hats off to Awake for finding out who they were and linking their names to their work. I'd love to see more pictures, maybe the printed version will have them.

A fascinating dive into art history through the work of Black craftspeople. Quilts, pottery, chairs, cabinets, baskets, architecture, blacksmithing, and fashion design are featured.