My fourth course of study

In my life I have studied languages (University of Cambridge), business administration (MBA from INSEAD – Europe’s premier business school) and theology at St Sergius Theological Academy in Paris. All top ranking names. I have now just started a fourth course, very much downmarket: cabinetmaking at the local Brussels crafts college, the 'Arts et Métiers': every Monday and Wednesday evening. I suspect that, if I can make it to the end, this is going to be the most rewarding course of all.

I’ve sensed for some time that I need to do something manual. My grandfather was a professional carpenter, and my father was pretty good with a saw and chisel when he needed. And only if I have really something really alternative to do will I start cutting down on the translation work and move away from the computer after age 65 (next year already!).

The college is a massive building: no doubt the pride of the city fathers when originally built between the wars. A bit over the top by today's standards, and I hate to imagine the heating costs. You sense the old pride of crafts professions in a then much more structured society. Go down the wrong corridor and you end up in furniture restoration, or bookbinding or car mechanics.

The photo is ancient, but it's all I could find for now.

 

Finally today we got off the theoretical side and started with the tools. Simply learning how to saw a piece of wood straight with a framesaw (what I call a ‘Jesus saw’ – like the ones in the Sunday School pictures of Jesus with Joseph in the carpenter’s workshop). And then side-on. Next lesson I will finally, after 50 years, finally learn how to sharpen a chisel correctly.

The other nice thing is being just with a group of ‘normal’ people, outside a church or business context. Also, it is all in French - I am the only non-native speaker - and not the usual linguistic mish-mash I spend most of my time in. There is no posturing or trying to look more professional or holier than the next .. which is refreshing.