Learning to draw: the training of furniture makers

In order to join a guild, a craftsman needed to submit a masterpiece. That was a specially made specimen of his skill, detailed in advance, that was judged to ascertain his qualifications. In nearly every German town, an aspiring cabinetmaker needed to make a drawing of the masterpiece he intended to submit, prior to being allowed to start work on it. This implies that must have been taught to draw. In this section of the exhibition, drawings by cabinetmakers, nearly all of German origin, demonstrate how they acquitted themselves of this part of their training. In other countries, and where other types of art were concerned, rules could vary, but the training of highly qualified craftsmen will almost invariably have included drawings lessons.