The goal of The Breed School is to be the most informative and complete source
for teaching the design and construction of American 18th century furniture.
Each class willl teach the student the subtleties of design and construction that
are so essential for the authentic reproduction of the best American furniture.
The historical background of each piece will be discussed to help the student
understand the evolution of the furniture forms built in each class.
The appropriate tools and techniques will be used in each class and the use of
hand tools and their maintenance will be emphasized.
Based on our teaching experience, we believe that small classes are essential.
A small class enables students to get the most from their time at the school
by having as much time with the instructor as they need. All classes will be
taught by Allan Breed and class size will be limited to six students.
Classes will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and
lunch will be provided. Students will have their own keys so that they may work
early or late. Each student will have a bench and enjoy ample natural light
from the many windows in the classroom. Students should bring their own tools
according to the tool list given for each class, although we usually have plenty
of extras of our own to fill in any hard to get or missing tools. Instruction
on sharpening and tuning up tools is part of every class.
Wednesday evening will be reserved for a special presentation on a subject relating
to the class material.
The following is a list of currently offered classes:
South Berwick, Maine and Rollinsford, New Hampshire are adjacent towns separated
by the Salmon Falls River. The Breed School is located in part of an 1848 brick
mill in Rollinsford, NH, population 2700. The mill is home to a number of various
crafts people and artists. With large windows on three sides of the room our students
enjoy the natural light that is so necessary for seeing every facet of the work created
by a plane or chisel.
Location
We are 12 miles from Portsmouth, New Hampshire and 12 miles from the beaches and historic
sites of York, Maine. The area is served by airports in Manchester, NH, Portland, Maine
and Boston, Mass. The Downeaster train runs daily from Boston to Portland and the Dover,
NH station is less than 15 minutes from the school. There is also bus service from Boston
to Portsmouth and Dover, NH.
The seacoast area of New Hampshire and Maine is renowned for its many historic sites.
Locally, Historic New England and Strawbery Banke Museum offer dozens of houses and
collections on view. Numerous excellent restaurants and shopping outlets are within
20 minutes of the school. We are approximately 90 minutes south of Freeport, Maine-
home of LL Bean, and 2 hours from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Ocean
excursions for whalewatching and scenic tours are available into October. There is
plenty for the non-woodworker to do!
The Academy Street Inn, is the one bed and breakfast inn in South Berwick and is
walking distance to the school. 207-384-5633
Days Inn in Dover, NH is 5 miles from the school. Located in the center of town it
is in the middle of restaurants, shopping and a great local movie theatre. 603.742.0400
Sheraton in Portsmouth, NH is 12 miles away. You can walk to anywhere in Portsmouth
and Portsmouth has everything from summer theatre to an antique tool shop. 603.431.2300
Half tuition is due with registration. Second half is due 60 days prior to course date.
Refunds and cancellation policy
- Prior to 60 days before your class begins, tuition minus a $75.00 application fee will be refunded.
- Between 31 and 59 days before class, half of the tuition minus a $75.00 application fee will be refunded.
- 30 days prior to the class tuition monies will not be refunded unless a waiting list student is available. Tuition may be applied to another course.