Many of us at EMGW have lost a friend, colleague, and teacher.  Phil Lowe passed away on January 6th.  Visiting with Phil and talking about woodworking was always an inspiration.  Newer to woodworking than most guild members, I was in awe of Phil’s work.  But I came to find out that wasn’t due to my lack of experience.  Sure that may have been part of it when attending a presentation of his.  His demonstrations appeared to be woodworking magic with the ease of a master.  But even the advanced EMGW members were in awe.  It was impossible to leave a presentation without picking up an idea or technique – and the confidence to go with it – to try one’s hand at a new woodworking venture.

Phil was dedicated to quality and efficiency in woodworking.  Phil could provide safe shortcuts to certain woodworking techniques that made him a go-to source for advice and for classes that he taught at his workshop in Beverly.  The guild was fortunate to have Phil and his workshop not too far away.  

Almost every year Phil would entertain the guild to a woodworking presentation.  He was a receptive, knowledgeable, and serious presenter - but not without a sense of humor.  If it weren’t for describing what he was doing, Phil would have finished the work long before intermission break.  Only his words slowed him down.  He was a master woodworker and an ambassador of of this craft, one we will miss.

Besides being a sought-after woodworker for commissioned work, Phil, as mentioned, taught many classes at his workshop. Dave McCormick, an advanced woodworker in our guild, recently took a course with him.  Dave wrote the following in memory of Phil. 

Philip C. Lowe, master woodworker, teacher, and long term presenter for the Guild, passed away on January 6, 2021. Lowe was an instructor at the North Bennett Street School in Boston from 1975 to 1985, serving as the head of furniture making for the last 5 years. In 1988, Phil started the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts woodworking school in Beverly, MA. The 3 year program started  many careers for professional woodworkers, and enhanced the skills of many hobbyists. He was awarded the prestigious Cartouche award in 1985. He was the author of many Fine Woodworking articles and videos. Phil's legacy will live on for the many people he impacted as we design and build our projects, and use the techniques and guidance he provided to us.