A Conversation with James Krenov
A "stubborn, old enthusiast" reflects on his life of teaching and woodworking
Anatole Burkin, then executive editor of Fine Woodworking, had a conversation with renowned furniture maker James Krenov for an article in FW #162. Read the full text of the article below or become a member to download the PDF.
FWW: Tell me about your early days in Stockholm, Sweden, after deciding to make your first go at being a furniture maker.
JK: We [wife Britta and I] bought a little cottage in the suburbs of Stockholm [in 1960]. We wouldn’t be talking here right now if it hadn’t been for Britta, who knew that there was a shortage of teachers. By then we had two daughters. She took an exam and became a teacher of economics. She had studied economics in the university at Stockholm. That kept us afloat. I just struggled from piece to piece and sold them for a pittance, and maybe sometimes she would remind me that I…
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