In the Making: Furniture Conservation with Carolyn Finn CF ’13
“Keeping these pieces functional is a joy. Because they’ve lasted for hundreds of years already, and I want to help make sure that they last for hundreds of years more.”
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, we hosted Cabinet & Furniture Making graduate Carolyn Finn CF ’13 for a conversation on furniture conservation. She shared her journey from design to conservation, the time-tested joinery of period furniture, and the most meaningful object she’s worked on.
After studying art design with a focus on furniture, Carolyn enrolled in the NBSS Cabinet & Furniture Making program, where she developed a passion for period furniture and was inspired to pursue a path in period furniture conservation. This led her to the Museum Studies program at Harvard University, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later to private practice with Robert Mussey Associates. Twelve years later, Carolyn is now the Assistant Conservator at Christopher Shelton Conservation.
“In the Making” is a public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list of events on the series homepage.
With thanks to our underwriters
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Holt & Bugbee
Adams + Beasley Associates
Columbia Contracting Corp.
Feinmann, Inc.
Anderson & McQuaid
BOND
Building Center
F.H. Perry Builder
MUECKE Design & Construction
PACLOCK, with H to O Supply
Firestone & Parson Inc.
Inland Underwriters Insurance Agency
In the Making: Robell Awake Book Conversation
In the Making: Ainsley Donaldson CF ’73
