Hi Dennis, Thanks for your remarks about understanding the context and historical evolution of craftsmanship. I think you are correct in your insight that we live in a time that allows, and sometimes even demands, a higher level of finish from craftsmen than was possible in earlier times. Those who were there remember the time and money pressures they were operating under. But in our time we are willing to pay much more for the modern craftsman's work than previously. That does not necessarily, or even often, translate into more money per hour for the craftsman. It just means that more hours will be spent on finish details.
In my own work restoring automobiles I see the same evolution. Clients tend to demand a much higher level of finish and detail than was done on the original automobiles. A "true" restoration would leave, or repeat, the flaws, but I suppose from the client's point of view, it is hard to explain why there are flaws in the expensive thing you just paid to restore. I also agree that people who pursue the life of a craftsman today are drawn to it not because they have to do it for economic reasons, or because their particular family tradition was this craft, but rather because they have the leisure to pursue this career, even if that means accepting a life which is not particularly lucrative. So, coming from a better general education and more varied background, they will tend to be aware of a much broader context in which their work appears. What I think we should celebrate is that the high level and creative work of so many craftsmen that was done in earlier times has survived to this day, and can be restored in a thoughtful and careful, if slightly overdone, manner.
David Cooper (in weather conducive for ruminations instead of riding) Chicago, IL