The Woodwright's Shop

TV Series
1979–
TV-G
27m

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

122

YOUR RATING

Roy Underhill in The Woodwright's Shop (1979)

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As Roy Underhill initiated his 37th season on PBS. This craftsman-historian has been teaching the practical methods of woodworking, using methods from the Roman Empire to the industrial revo... Read allAs Roy Underhill initiated his 37th season on PBS. This craftsman-historian has been teaching the practical methods of woodworking, using methods from the Roman Empire to the industrial revolution. He has presented how-to with and without guests. Through the years he has covered ... Read allAs Roy Underhill initiated his 37th season on PBS. This craftsman-historian has been teaching the practical methods of woodworking, using methods from the Roman Empire to the industrial revolution. He has presented how-to with and without guests. Through the years he has covered smith works for making tools, making wood cookie molds, foot operated lathes, wagon wheels... Read all

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See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

122

YOUR RATING

Stars

1User review

See production info at IMDbPro

Episodes91

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Storyline

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Trivia
Early in his woodworking career, Roy Underhill worked at the famous Colonial Williamsburg where he learned about the traditional hand craft tools with which he has become a renowned expert.

Goofs
In the opening credits, Roy walks across the busy street with his toolbox in his left hand and a felling axe in his right. During the credits, he strolls past his dog and rubs it. In the nest shot, Roy again has both hands full. You can not see the axe in his tool box when he passes the dog.

User reviews1

Review

Featured review

9/10

Unique craftsmanship & talent makes TWWS stand out

I have watched "The Woodwright's Shop" on PBS for most of its 30-year run. The entertaining demeanor of host Roy Underhill engages viewers as he takes a project to near completion during the 27 minutes, or the episode will demonstrate woodworking concepts or methods.

Roy has worked at Colonial Williamsburg, and his passion for historic preservation permeates every minute of the show. This lends to the unique niche for "TWWS" in that Roy uses no power tools; there are no electrical outlets or cords, and his tools are usually handmade antiques. The viewers see woodworking as it was done 150 years ago.

Each episode in the shop is normally done in one continuous shot/take (with multiple camera angles), which is a testament to Underhill's presentation skill as well. Occasionally an episode is Roy's "field trip" to visit a water-powered sawmill, or the shop of another rustic woodworker.

I recommend searching for episodes online, or check for viewing via PBS's website, or your local listings.