History

About Edward Maene

Edward Maene was born in Bruges, Belgium on April 21, 1852.  After learning the stone and woodcarving trade, he arrived in the United States in 1881. For the next 50 years, Mr. Maene had a thriving business, creating innovative and masterful works of art from his downtown Philadelphia workshops on Locust St. and Hutchinson St.

His talented workmanship and intricate hand-crafted detail resulted in some of the finest Gothic furniture ever made in the US.  In addition to creating exquisitely carved furniture for wealthy turn-of-the-century industrialists, Maene designed and produced incredibly beautiful stonework — which can be seen today in historic Philadelphia — from St. Mark’s Church (great doors of the Parish) to St. Clements Episcopal Church (high altar, Lady Chapel, pulpit, Stations of the Cross) to the University of Pennsylvania (four towers, Spanish-American War memorial).

He is perhaps best know for his elegant hand-carved oak artistry in the George Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge, completed in 1913 (choir stalls, screens and Valley Forge Brigades).

Edward Maene’s nephew, John, apprenticed with his uncle, then went on to serve as foreman in Will Price’s Rose Valley furniture shop.  In the short time Rose Valley’s shop was operational, Edward produced much of the Rose Valley furniture from his downtown workshops. Historians have indicated that the elaborate Harrison Shakespeare Folio Cabinet was likely made in Edward Maene’s shop.

Although unconfirmed, it is believed that Mr. Maene may have collaborated with Daniel Pabst on his highly recognized Modern Gothic furniture creations.

2 thoughts on “About Edward Maene”

1. Dr. Thomas W. Brunk March 10, 2013 at 10:29 am Edward Maene died December 4, 1931 of Angina Pectoris and is buried with his wife in the Oldy Pennypack Cemetery, Bustleton, Philadelphia County, PA. His wife was Susanne Maengaux, 1856-October 6, 1916. He had a daughter Clara M. Maene born November 1884 who married Dr. John Partrick O’Brien, and a son Victor Albert Maene born October 25, 1892 who married Emma V. Gillespie. Both Clara and Victor worked with their father. Reply ↓
2. Pat Weisenbach March 18, 2013 at 8:53 pm thanks, Tom! look forward to more, me Ü Reply ↓

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