Distinctive Wood Makes Fine Custom Furniture

In the Workshop with Bob Gasperetti

The tail of Rutland County bends southeast where the Green Mountain and Taconic ranges come together to form what’s called the ‘Valley of Vermont.’ Historic Routes 7 & 7A run its length from Brandon to Bennington and a handful of Guild members live and work within its swath. Two miles south of tiny Mount Tabor, a left turn and one mile takes you to the doorstep of Bob Gasperetti’s furniture shop. The 'barn' houses everything from the lumber collection to the woodshop to an upstairs studio filled with Shaker, Mission and Arts & Crafts-Inspired custom furniture pieces.

Call Bob a collector or connoisseur, the ground floor is an absolute library of distinctive wood. Racks holding common ash and poplar, gorgeous cherry, walnut, shining apple, figured maples and birches and--if you can believe it--red pine planted by Vermont’s own Robert Frost.

The craftsman keeps a mental catalogue of every piece, where it came from and when, and if it has a story. In addition to the seriously impressive shelved collection, there are sections of smaller, odder pieces. ‘Scraps’ that didn’t make the mill cut, sporting tap holes from past sugaring seasons, and interesting pieces that are marked and distinguished with worm holes and bacteria streaking. 

Here Bob shows off a ‘bookmatched’ piece of ambrosia maple. With a quick swipe of paint thinner, a strikingly clear pattern atop a warm and interesting wood is revealed. This, as Bob explained, is the ‘character of the wood,’ or ‘the part that’s often cut out by the manufacturing process but can be very distinctive.’ Up from the lumber library is the workshop and finish room. Impressive and mysterious, certainly a place with the essential ingredients to make Vermont custom furniture pieces brimming with energy and character. Bob explained that every process is done by hand and that he takes great care in placing and matching the grains and colors to compose each piece. 

How do you decide what to put in your showroom? Bob explained that he often makes two of each piece and that the tables, chairs, desks and benches he duplicates often become launch pads for new projects. Clients visiting the studio express an interest in combining the qualities of one piece with the form and function of another. A Mission-style headboard, for example, may get married with Arts & Crafts-inspired ornamentation, making an original fine furniture piece to suit a client's fancy.

Open every day, visitors to the studio will be greeted by Bob, Cheryl, Bob’s wife, or Scott, his shop assistant. If you’re traveling up and have specific ideas or questions, give a call ahead for a chance to speak with Mr. Gasperetti himself. A collection of custom furniture and accessories appears on the Guild site, as well as a link to Bob's website with driving directions.