The Practice
Bell Tower Timber began and continues as a small cottage business.
The small shop is located in the Southern Tier of Upstate NY. For
small-scale carvings and sub-contracted ornamental timbers we do all our
work in-house. Most of the work is performed by a single timberwright
to ensure the highest standard of work is accomplished. For larger
timber frames we regularly partner with long-standing timber framers so
that no beloved client is forced to wait.
Repairs and consultations are also taken as time and projects allow.
For a comprehensive description of the services offered, see our Services.
The Timberwright
Your humble writer and timberwright is Benjamin Knopf. He is an
artisan and journeyman timberwright specializing in architectural
carvings and ornamental timber frames. He studied Building Trades at
Alfred State College before entering Roman Seminary for the Priesthood.
After six years of study, he started combining his seminary and
vocational training and began practicing in Alfred in 2018,
apprenticing with timber framer Sean Hyland, with whom he still regularly collaborates.
The unique blend of intellectual traditions and hands-on skills have
left your humble writer in an idiosyncratic position. From the mundane
but no less important work of barn building to the truly deep symbolism
that accompanies religious construction, Benjamin’s attempts to adapt
his training to the particulars needed by any beloved client.
Benjamin has designed and carved numerous pieces both secular and
religious. His practice is based in Alfred, NY and his residential and
ecclesial work is focused within upstate New York and surrounding areas.
Please don’t not hesitate to contact me.
Your humble timberwright,
Benjamin
.
