Georgia Woodworking

Georgia is home to a thriving community of woodworkers, including talented artisans like Ed Moulthrop and Matt Moulthrop, as well as organizations like the Woodworker's Guild of Georgia.

Georgia is home to a wide variety of wood types suitable for different woodworking projects, including furniture making, carving, and woodturning. Some of the most common wood species found in Georgia are:

1. Southern Yellow Pine: Widely used for construction purposes, this wood is strong and durable, making it a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry.
2. Oak: Both red and white oak are abundant in Georgia. They are strong, heavy, and durable, making them excellent choices for furniture making, cabinetry, and flooring.
3. Cherry: Known for its beautiful color and fine grain, cherry wood is a popular choice for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and woodturning projects.
4. Walnut: A prized hardwood, walnut is known for its rich, dark color and attractive grain patterns. It is ideal for fine furniture, cabinetry, and woodturning.
5. Maple: Both hard and soft maple are found in Georgia. They are strong and durable woods, suitable for furniture making, cabinetry, and woodturning.
6. Hickory: A dense, heavy wood with striking grain patterns, hickory is a favorite for rustic furniture and cabinetry.
7. Cypress: Resistant to decay and insects, cypress is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, decking, and siding.

Reclaimed wood is also popular among Georgia woodworkers, as it offers a sustainable and unique option for various projects. Reclaimed wood can be sourced from old barns, warehouses, and other structures and often features a weathered, rustic appearance that adds character to furniture and woodworking projects.
Georgia is home to numerous skilled furniture makers, carvers, and turners who create a wide range of products, from custom-made pieces to one-of-a-kind art objects. Some of these artisans work with traditional hand tools, while others utilize modern machinery and techniques. They often incorporate locally sourced and reclaimed wood into their projects, reflecting the rich history and natural resources of the region. 

Ed Moulthrop (1916-2003) was a pioneering woodturner who gained widespread recognition for his massive turned bowls made from native southeastern hardwoods. His innovative techniques and unique artistic vision played a significant role in the development of contemporary woodturning in the United States. Ed's work is highly sought after and can be found in numerous museums, galleries, and private collections.
Matt Moulthrop, Ed's grandson, continues the family tradition of woodturning. He has developed his own distinctive style while honoring the legacy of his grandfather and father, Philip Moulthrop. Matt's work is characterized by its smooth, polished surfaces and organic forms, often incorporating the natural features of the wood, such as knots, voids, and bark inclusions.
The Woodworker's Guild of Georgia is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting woodworking education, community, and craftsmanship in the state of Georgia. The guild offers a variety of resources, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs for woodworkers of all skill levels. Members can participate in group projects, attend monthly meetings, and share their knowledge and passion for woodworking with others in the community.
In addition to the Moulthrop family and the Woodworker's Guild of Georgia, there are many other talented woodworkers throughout the state, working in various disciplines such as furniture making, cabinetry, carving, and more. Georgia's rich history and diverse natural resources provide a fertile environment for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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