A Royal Education

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Student hand-sawing wood for lap joint frame

Apparently Prince Charles wasn’t pleased when he came to New Orleans post-Katrina.  Instead of blowing powdered sugar off beignets and sipping on sazeracs, the Prince of Wales spent his time touring dilapidated homes in the Crescent City (he could stand to learn a thing or two about vacationing from ol’ Prince Harry).  Charles decided our construction was sub par and unless we shaped up, our historic charm would soon be a thing of the past.  So the knight or in this case, prince in shining armor rode in on horseback to save the day!

He started a summer workshop through his Prince’s Foundation, an organization that promotes sustainability in communities around the world.  The Foundation teamed up with the Preservation Resource Center here in the Big Easy to teach traditional trades and techniques from masters like P.R.C. mill manager J.R. Portman (check out his blog, it’s snazzy).

During the intensive three week program, students learn everything from geometry to plaster to woodworking.  They were exceptionally excited about their assignment to sketch up a naked lady.  Once they graduate, Prince Charles hopes they’ll utilize the skills they’ve learned.  From movie set designers to attorneys, it’s a diverse group with one thing in common: a passion for preserving the architecture and design that defines the city of New Orleans.

For your help Prince Charles, we send three cheers and a sazerac from our side of the pond.

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Movie set designer shows off his lap joint frame

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Students working at the Preservation Resource Center mill shop

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Lap joint frame is nearly complete

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Student hand-sawing wood for lap joint frame

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Student sawing

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Student lining up pieces of wood for his frame

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Students learn tradition techniques, like sawing by hand!

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, It’s much tougher when the students can’t use power tools

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Supplies and sketch for lap joint frame

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Student intently working on her project

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Sketch and measurements for lap joint frame

Courtesy: J.R. Portman, Diagram of lap joint frame