Richard (Dick) Poynor (1802–1882), an enslaved man who purchased his freedom with his earnings, became the most prolific nineteenth century chairmaker in Williamson County. Many samples of his work survive today. Curtis Buchanan has been making Windsor chairs full-time since 1984, from his workshop in downtown Jonesborough, Washington County. We will discuss Tennessee chairmaking traditions, the life of Dick Poynor, and the experience of a contemporary craftsman.

Rick Warwick, Williamson County historian, is the author of fourteen books about Middle Tennessee. Mr. Warwick has researched the life of Dick Poynor and catalogued his handiwork. Curtis Buchanan has published numerous articles on chairmaking and has taught in craft schools. His chairs are in the collections of the Tennessee State Museum, the Southern Highlands Craft Guild, the Tennessee State Governor’s Mansion, and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.