Discover the architectural and artistic interconnections between Japan and the United States through the interpretation and combination of modernist and traditional ideas cultivated by George Nakashima and Noémi and Antonin Raymond at their respective New Hope, PA compounds.
Nakashima developed his furniture making techniques and ideas at his home and studio here for over 40 years from 1946 to 1990. The tour will include a lively overview of his furniture making process and its importance in this mid-century architectural context. This legacy continues today though the George Nakashima Woodworker and Nakashima Foundation for Peace.
The Raymond Farm was the home and summer studio of the architects and designers, Noémi and Antonin Raymond. In addition to practicing architecture, they designed furniture, lighting, textiles, ceramics, flatware, and ironwork. In 1938, after working in Japan for 15 years, the Raymonds returned to the US and set up “the New Hope Experiment,” an architectural atelier that taught practical design solutions. Apprentices had hands-on experience with various building trades and crafts.
The newly formed Raymond Farm Center’s mission is the preservation, repurposing, and utilization of the historic structures that make up the Raymond Farm.
The intertwined story of the Raymonds and George Nakashima will be explored, representing a fascinating confluence of contributions to modernist craft, architecture and design, combining influences from Japan and America.
For more information and detailed directions, please visit:
Nakashima Woodworker
Raymond Farm Center
Schedule:
10:00 AM
Check-in at the George Nakashima Woodworker showroom
1847 Aquetong Road, New Hope, PA 18938
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Nakashima campus tour
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch at Bowman’s Tavern, 1600 River Road, New Hope, PA 18938
Participants will travel a short distance for lunch, returning in time for second half of tour.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Raymond Farm Center Tour
6273-6399 Pidcock Creek Road, New Hope, PA 18938
Guides:
Mira Nakashima, Director, Nakashima Woodworker
John DeFazio, Director, Raymond Farm Center for Living Arts and Design
Guidelines for Visitors:
Participants should be prepared to walk outdoors on uneven surfaces including grassy hills and wooded land. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable, easy to remove footwear as George Nakashima Woodworker asks visitors to remove their shoes before entering some buildings at the property. Indoor photography or video recording is not permitted. Exterior photography is welcome on all tours for personal use only. Please, no children under 13 years of age, no pets, no outside food and drinks to be consumed on the properties, and no smoking.
Lunch:
A lunch reservation has been made for tour participants at Bowman’s Tavern, a nearby American restaurant. Participants will travel to the restaurant at 1600 River Road, New Hope, PA. Lunch is not included in the tour program and participants will be responsible for the cost.
Transportation:
Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the campuses and must arrive at Nakashima Woodworker by 10:00 AM for onsite check-in. Due to limited parking at the Nakashima site, carpooling is encouraged.
Directions to Nakashima Woodworker (start of tour):
Nakashima Woodworker grounds are located at 1847 Aquetong Road, between Rt. 32 (River Road and Rt. 232 (Windy Bush Road). Some GPS require the old street number, 293 Aquetong Road.
