Stanley D. Saperstein – Master Craftsmen Emeritus, Author, & Historian founded Artisans of the Valley in 1973. Stanley offers historic presentations, impressions, and various lecture series ranging from Civil and Revolutionary War, American Folk Art, and Interactive Role Play of Characters, sometimes trying to reenact American Chopper episodes in the shop.
Artisans of the Valley was conceived in 1972 by Stanley D. Saperstein, at the time living in Ewing Township, NJ. The business started with simple commissions for household furniture, carvings, and accessories.
As Stanley progressed with his formal training (defined below) and gained experience he expanded into more elaborate projects as well as beginning to offer antique restoration and conservation services. Stanley received his journeyman papers in 1977.
A master craftsman is one who has studied every aspect of his art for many years under an established master craftsman. In the art of reproducing period furniture, Stanley D. Saperstein is such a craftsman. Mr. Saperstein has studied the arts of woodcarving, joining, designing, and finishing under master craftsman C. N. Grinnell, whose family have been master woodcarvers and cabinetmakers since 1614.
Stanley has learned the skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, his pedigree is documented in the form of Journeyman Papers. Journeyman papers were often scribbled notes offering the assurances of a master craftsman that their apprentice had reached journeyman level. Mr. Grinnell took great joy in presenting this simple note to Stanley upon completion of his apprenticeship.
Stanley had to have something to frame, so he had Mr. Grinnell sign this parchment, written in calligraphy, authenticating his training. Stanley spent the next twenty some odd years perfecting his craft and preparing his son Eric to take on the role of Master Craftsman in order to continue his legacy. The formal proclamation was extended in the form of a hand scribed illuminated parchment on January 2nd, 2008.
You can reach Stanley at: woodcarver@artisansofthevalley.com
Download our Mini-Portfolio for a cross section of our work.
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