"While most people build for the future, I take   pride in building the past."   -JOHN EHRLICH I have always been fascinated with history, decorative furniture and accessories. Even as a young child, I spent a great deal of time in museums, art galleries, antique shops and auctions. Frequent trips to historic sites throughout the first Colonies and Europe led me to artistically sensitive people and the opportunity to observe them as they practiced their crafts. My teacher was an extraordinary woman, my mother, Edna Rose Ehrlich. She was larger than life with zest, vitality and great style. Everything had to be the best. While others might be satisfied with a commercially made chest of drawers or just any antique painting, she knew the difference. Antiques had to be period with exquisite details representing the quintessential design elements of the time. These standards applied to everything in her life whether it was art, music, food or travel. How fortunate I was to learn these principles of perfection. This apprenticeship opened my eyes to look at the world in a way different from my peers. I began collecting period antiques when I was only eight years old. By the time I was twelve, I opened my own shop. During summer vacations, my mother and I would travel throughout Europe in our quest for the most intriguing antiques we could find. At first, I would rush through the shops often missing a treasure. But the carefully trained eye of my mother would never overlook anything. She had the amazing ability to spot the object most tantilizing. Each day I spent with her, I learned another lesson. Eventually, I went off to college and graduate school, intent on becoming a research chemist. Even though I achieved that goal, my heart was elsewhere. For the next twenty years, I honed my skills as a merchant at several of the countries leading retailers. Eventually I led the successful growth and development of two luxury brands. In 1994, I knew it was time to focus my energy back to my real passion. I created THE FEDERALIST, a collection of the finest handmade reproduction furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. While I have been a collector of period antiques most of my life, I came to understand how it was becoming increasingly difficult to find authentic antiques. When I discovered period pieces, either the price was unreasonably high or their condition was beyond practical repair. Today, most buyers are dangerously unknowledgeable about antiques. Many new pieces are often misrepresented as old. Time after time I have seen disappointed buyers who later learned they were taken advantage of. As I began looking for reproductions, I became extremely frustrated that I could only find items of poor quality that had been mass produced in factories. There was no respect for craftsmanship. Design details were missing. Materials were inferior. Construction was poor. I discovered some of the popular, well-respected furniture used inferior veneers. I learned finishes were sprayed on in heavy coats to conceal imperfections. I knew there had to be a better way. And I quickly learned there were many others who shared my frustration. I began a sojourn that lasted over two years. I searched the world, looking for the few remaining skilled artisans who still practiced their craft. I looked in places where the time honored techniques for building fine furniture and accessories were still in use. I sought to discover makers who shared my impeccable standard for excellance and design integrity. The doors to THE FEDERALIST opened in Greenwich Connecticut in June 1995. From the first day, we have thrilled clients who feel they have finally found their way home. Home to a world of the fine furniture and decorative accessories gloriously reproduced for their enjoyment and that of generations to come. Every craftsman who makes for THE FEDERALIST is soulfully dedicated to the creation of an object that is a testament to the 18th Century. Not only do they love what they do, but they also have strong sense of pride in their work. And they are deeply respectful that THE FEDERALIST provides the opportunity to present their artistry. In every case, only the finest materials are used. Many woods once plentiful during the 18th Century are now depleted as our forests have been ravaged. Every board used in furniture at THE FEDERALIST is hand selected for uniformity and degree of figure. Only the finest is accepted. Construction and finishing techniques mirror those originally used in the 18th Century. Joinery methods include dovetail or mortise and tenon. Pegging is done to add strength to stress points. Hand planing and scraping are used to achieve surfaces usually found on the finest period antiques. Hand carving is a specialty of THE FEDERALIST. Each of THE FEDERALIST carvers have extensive experience among a variety of details. Equally important is the finish. THE FEDERALIST demands a twenty-two step process, including successive steps of hand sanding and hand rubbing. The result is a finish with depth and distinction that defies all others. The same holds true for painted finishes. Traditional forms of milk paint are applied and either hand rubbed to allow undercoats to reappear or specially treated to create a crackle finish. Lighting at THE FEDERALIST is made to replicate original designs, We often use original period pieces to make molds from which we can cast new authentic reproductions. Classic antique brass, bronze, silver, tole and Longterne finishes are painstakingly achieved among our collection of chandeliers, sconces and post mounted lights for interior or exterior use. The same attention to detail is consistent throughout all categories presented by THE FEDERALIST. From cast brass hardware to tooled leather to hand blown glass. Our collections include porcelain, earthenware, redware, glass, tea caddies, silver plate, paintings and ship models among others. THE FEDERALIST exemplifies the highest standard of quality. At the same time, we are committed to bringing each of our clients true value. I am anxious to share my passion with those who truly appreciate the fine arts of Federal America.