Alan Turner
I have been working wood for a little over 60 years; I was introduced to woodworking when I was about 6 while shadowing my father around his home workshop. Dad was an excellent amateur woodworker, and a good teacher. Over the years, I honed my skills as an amateur, and when our family's homes were filled, I hung out a shingle as a studio furniture maker and still enjoy building an occasional commission piece.
In about 2000, after pursuing a long career in the law, I was invited to teach basic woodworking classes through an adult night-school program in suburban Philadelphia. I enjoyed it and dreamed of opening my own school.
In 2006 I made good on those plans, and Philadelphia Furniture Workshop was founded. PFW’s first class ran in March 2006 and it continues in operation today under the leadership of Craig Vandall Stevens, its Executive Director. I am now a recovering lawyer.
I moved to Falls Village, Connecticut in 2019, having spent about 5 years redoing my home (built in 1800) and the last year or so working to convert the barn to a wood shop and teaching studio. When the pandemic having subsided, I now teach woodworking and furniture making in an intimate setting to a small number of individual students.
For me, the sharing of woodworking skills is a labor of love; it is my commitment to the craft. I undertake private commissions as well. I’ve also done some writing and video work.; a list, and links, can be found here.
Falls Village Woodworking Studio
215-287-7665
Email: ctwoodschool@gmail.com
