The Man in Black

MIKE WEST
Courier Editor

Have you ever heard of Rocco Revival?

It's a style of furniture that dates back to the 1840s-1870s featuring the use of scrolls and carved decoration on extremely hard wood like mahogany.

In other words, it's not like anything you see everyday.

However. Richard F. Gentry, a long-time Cannon County resident, recently completed a Rocco Revival bed carved from Jamacian mahogany for one of the late entertainer Johnny Cash's children.

"The wood was flown into Hendersonville in the 1970s by the 'Man in Black' himself," Gentry grinned.

The elaborate bed is just one example of the work completed by Gentry during his 30-plus years in Cannon County.

He has built everything from kitchen cabinets, to dining tables, chairs beds, end tables and coffee tables.

"No job is too small or too large," the modest furniture maker said. "I'm affordable and reliable!"

Ordinary people have been the staple of decades of repeat sales.

Largely self-taught, Gentry began his craft at age 11 and has studied the skills of past masters as well as contemporary artists. You can get an idea of the range of his work at his website: www.richardfgentry.com.

Richard primarily crafts from lumber selected from the Tennessee region like black walnut, butternut, cherry and figured maples as well as secondary lumbers. Exotic woods from South America to Africa and many are available in a matter of days like rosewood, ebony, mahogany and zebra wood.

Gentry is also able to fashion furniture from aged lumber provided by the customer. Wood from an old log cabin or barn is just a couple of examples.

Thanks to his experience, he is able to access rare veneer cuts of burls, flames, ribbon, and figured patterns. A few or the shop's favorites are Pau Ferro rosewood, mappa and myrtle burl.

"We enjoy it when customers are able to become part of the creative selection process," he said. "We make it fun and unique with simplicity."

Providing the proper finish is key to Gentry's work.

"Our finishes are of the highest quality available and applied with deftness of old school knowledge. We use high tech equipment or hand apply to a rich buffed polished sheen" depending on the project," he said.

Got a project in mind? You can reach Richard at 615-563-2401 or email him at rfrgentry@yahoo.com