MARK OF THE KITE

About the Book

Dr. Ronald W. Starnes (1933-2002) was one of the last of a generation of period furniture makers who learned their trade through the apprentice system. The sign of the kite was his personal marque taken from an old English guild, long extinct but known in its day for furniture of high quality. Working primarily in the Chippendale, Heppelwhite, Queen Anne and Federal styles, Starnes produced, over the course of forty years, an estimated five thousand pieces of furniture. Today Kitemark pieces can be found in private homes and antique shops throughout America and in several foreign countries. Contained in this volume is a biography with photographs as well as a full photographic section containing over 80 full color images of the varying styles and types of furniture produced by Starnes from 1959 until a few months before his death. Also included here are several chapters from "PERIOD FURNITURE TECHNIQUES" which formed the basis for a series of articles written in the 1980's for DELMARVA HEARTLAND magazine in which Starnes explains through text, illustrations and photographs how to execute several classic techniques used in the production of eighteenth century furniture. Written and produced in a collaborative effort by Starnes’ three sons with photographs by noted Delmarva photographer Eric Crossan, this volume is a lasting tribute to a modern master of period furniture making.

About the Author

Lincoln M. Starnes is the eldest son of Ronald W. Starnes. He lives in Canton, Georgia and works for Federal Express.