Handcrafted in Florence, Alabama

Just as RWF is different, Florence, Alabama, tucked away in the Northwest corner of the state on the southernmost curl of the Tennessee River is also different.

Named after the art-filled town in Italy, Alabama's Florence is an art center of its own. With the Frederic Law Olmstead designed campus of the University of North Alabama (Olmstead also designed New York's Central Park and Boston's Emerald Necklace) nestled in a district which is on the  National Register of Historic Places, Florence, population 40,000, is a fitting backdrop to a number of artistic endeavors. The only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Alabama (the  Rosenbaum House)  is in Florence and is only one of six museums in the city.  Another of the museums is the The W.C. Handy Home and Museum which is dedicated to one of Florence's most famous sons. Known as the "Father of the Blues", Handy was born in a log cabin at this site in 1873. Which leads us to the very rich musical heritage of Florence. Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers and others were all attracted by Florence's reputation as the birthplace of the Blues and for its rich music traditions and legendary recording studios. Many people come every year to enjoy Florence's music festivals. The University's ten percent international enrollment adds to the fascinating diversity of this town as do the many creative people who have made Florence their home.

Among Robin's neighbors are Little Richard's guitarist, award-winning fashion designer Billy Reid, national guitar champion Dillon Hodges, and Grammy winner John Paul White of The Civil Wars. So it is no wonder that RWF produces handcrafted, one of a kind pieces which highlight the natural beauty of the ecologically obtained lumber and which have been as well received in juried art competitions as they have been in residences and hotels.

Florence just seems to nurture all manner of artistic creativity!