7 / 98
7
Among its outstanding collections, the Met’s American Wing
is home to masterpieces of 18th century furniture. Within this
superlative collection are select pieces from the workshop of
Duncan Phyfe (1770 – 1854). Phyfe would become America’s
most popular furniture maker. From 1805 until roughly 1840,
he succeeded at making fine pieces of furniture his patrons
would otherwise have had to order abroad.
Among these is an ottoman, which was in need of restoration
prior to being exhibited. Duggal was tasked with recreating
an ornate brass trim and walnut inlay. To save restoration
experts the laborious task of inlaying walnut piece by piece,
Duggal’s fabrication department proposed, and successfully
executed the solution by laser cutting the brass trim, and
raster engraving the walnut for a seamless fit.