John Marckworth
PTSW Co-Founder, Author, Custom Woodworker
John Marckworth worked professionally as a carpenter, custom cabinetmaker, and furniture maker for more than 30 years. After serving “on the job” apprenticeships in a number of construction trades, he went on to operate his own custom woodworking business - Marckworth Specialty Woodworking - for over 16 years in Port Townsend. During his career, he had the opportunity to work with homeowners, designers, architects, and contractors on a wide variety of residential and commercial projects.
“Woodworking is an ongoing journey of exploration, discovery, actualiz and individual growth. I attempt to create work that incorporates a sense of vitality and purpose, design integrity, and meticulous attention to detail. Since all my projects are custom, I have had the opportunity to create work in many different styles and for many different purposes. I love working with wood – investigating, experimenting, and learning new methods and techniques while building on the lessons and solid foundations of the past.”
John’s work appeared in a number of books and magazines, including Fine Woodworking Magazine, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, Inspired House Magazine, and American Bungalow Magazine. He is the author of Beautiful Wooden Projects for Outdoor Living, and his work is featured in Fine Woodworking’s Design Book Eight: Original Furniture from the World’s Finest Craftsmen.
In 2007 he partnered with Jim Tolpin and Tim Lawson to found the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, In addition to his administrative and teaching responsibilities, John oversaw and managed projects that the School undertook in partnership with Fort Worden State Park, including the Historic Windows Restoration Project and the Officer Row Porch Furniture Project.
He was inspired and strengthened by a quote from the artist and teacher Robert Perry (1927-1998): ‘…hindsight allows one to distill the false starts, the wrong directions and the outright mistakes from what, through time, adds up to direction.’ We all learn by doing, so it only makes sense that we allow and encourage ourselves to enjoy both the process and the results!”
John was a co-founder of The Splinter Group, an extremely loose-knit collection of woodworkers who come together annually to organize and present the Port Townsend Woodworkers Show. He was a member of The Furniture Society.
In March 2024, John unexpectedly passed away from complications after surgery. The PTSW and woodworking community will greatly miss him. You can read more about his PTSW legacy over on the blog.
