Picture of the Day: The Studley Tool Chest
10 years, 8 months ago - July 31, 2013
Master craftsman Henry O. Studley (1838-1925) was an organ and piano maker, carpenter, and mason. He is best known for building this incredible tool chest during his tenure at the Poole Piano Company in Massachusetts, working on it over the course of 30 years. Using ebony, mother-of-pearl, ivory, rosewood, and mahogany – all materials used in the manufacture of pianos – he refined the chest to the point that, even now in the 21st century, it is still in a class by itself.
The Studley Tool Chest holds 300 tools, yet measures only 9 in. deep, 39 in. high, and 18 in. wide, when closed (22.86 x 99.06 x 45.72 cm). Every tool has a custom-made holder to keep it in place, many with beautiful inlay, and tiny clasps that rotate for easy access. As the chest folds closed, tools from the left side nestle precisely between tools on the right side. Below you can see a video review of this beautiful design.
