Handwork at the Hermitage (Norfolk)

​​This summer, the Hermitage will present Handwork at the Hermitage: A National Collaboration with Craft in America, an exhibition that highlights and celebrates the exceptional handwork that has shaped the museum’s character and history. Woodcarvers such as Charles J. Woodsend (1847–1927) and Karl von Rydingsvärd (1863–1941) contributed distinctive techniques and artistic style to the Hermitage’s carved walls, halls, and furnishings—features that continue to define the site nearly a century later. Handwork at the Hermitage honors their craftsmanship and situates their work within the broader context of America’s rich craft traditions. The exhibition will feature historical research, rarely seen materials, furniture, and architectural elements from the museum’s collections, along with notable items such as antique hand tools used by the Hermitage’s master woodcarvers. Through these materials, the exhibition will illuminate the stories and legacies of all the craftspeople who shaped this cultural landmark in the early half of the 20^th century. A series of special events and public programs will accompany the exhibition throughout its run, engaging visitors of all ages.