Women Studio Furniture Makers: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This research is a longitudinal study involving nine experienced women studio furniture makers interviewed in 2005 and again in 2020. The study explores the progress of their careers over the course of 15 years. Are they still making and selling furniture? If not, do they still think of themselves as furniture makers? This study addresses the rewards and sacrifices that these nine female furniture makers have made, not only in the past 15 years, but throughout the duration of their careers in the field. Also of interest in this research is whether more women are making furniture in the present day than in 2005, and whether they are entering the field with realistic expectations.