308 East Main Street, Searsport, ME 04974, us
About Us
Time Honored craftmanship
Paul Rulli Reproductions has gained National recognition by being selected for many years to the 'EARLY AMERICAN LIFE' Directory of Craftsmen. This honor is only bestowed on this country's top artists in the venue of formal period furniture.
The elegant and graceful lines of Period American Furniture have proven to be timeless and Paul Rulli is providing new pieces with all the decorative elements and functionality of the originals.
Fine hand worked details including dovetails, crisply carved ball and claw feet, shells, flame finials, vine work, and open fret work are the distinguishing features which characterize the furniture of the 17 th and 18 th century.
Paul Rulli offers finished pieces or custom designs. All furniture can be crafted in a wide choice of woods including cherry, mahogany, and maple and finished in stain and color preference. A photo, historic reference or personal design can be copied or reproduced into a custom piece.
A lifelong love of history
By the age of ten, Paul Rulli was well on his way to developing a life long interest in the history, culture, art, and temperament of colonial America. Born and raised in Sturbridge Massachusetts within walking distance of Old Sturbridge Village, Paul was a frequent visitor and an eager student. This eagerness and sincerity prompted Paul’s father to grant access to the workshop and the tools therein. It wasn’t long before the love of woodworking and the beauty of antique woodworking tools merged to create a desire to build Period American Furniture using authentic methods.
After High School, Paul took the traditional path of the men of his time and pursued a degree in Civil Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Years later, this training proved to be an asset in the careful renderings and attention to details the art of reproduction furniture making requires.
During his student years and while pursuing his engineering career, Paul’s love for 17 th and 18 th century America only grew and developed into a new full time career as a furniture maker.
Here in Searsport Maine
Paul and his wife Lynn live in an 1840s Sea Captain's home which they are proudly, albeit slowly, restoring. Paul’s workshop is a spacious, well lit working studio crammed with his collection of antique tools and works in progress. Although self taught in cabinet making and joinery, Paul’s search for knowledge had led to attending classes at the North Bennett Street School and membership in SAPFM (Society of American Period Furniture Makers). He has also been fortunate enough to view the Garvan collection at Yale University and never misses an opportunity to visit museums and participate in events sponsored by local Historical Societies.