Lawrence Condon: Magnificent Millwork

Charleston native, Lawrence Condon has been a master fabricator of architectural millwork - a type of craftsmanship defined as the artistry associated with “various wood items, such as doors, windows, built-in cabinetry, paneling or other items manufactured by use of a planing mill.” Lawrence grew up on James Island where he began his career at Southern Lumber in the Millwork Sash Department. He credits his mentors there, Johnny Reeves and Marion Duke, for teaching him the trade. He also thanks Buzz Withers of Withers Industries for his knowledge and guidance on the business side of millworking - everything from fabrication to delivery. Rose Hill, an 1850's Gothic Revival plantation house located in Bluffton, SC, marks Lawrence’s first and favorite project. He has also created millwork for a number of historic houses in Charleston such as the windows for Vanderhorst Row, the shutters for 1 Tradd Street, the rear gates for the Aiken-Rhett House, the doors at 20 Elizabeth Street and the moldings for the front drawing room at the William Aiken House. The list continues with his labor on Middleton Place, Medway, and Drayton Hall plantation houses, as well as his millwork for several historic churches including the iconic red doors of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. Another recognizable project of Lawrence’s is 95 Broad Street in Charleston that now serves as the headquarters for Luxury Simplified. Here, Lawrence worked closely with the longtime owner, designer John Ragsdale who demanded and appreciated the detail work and craftsmanship that Lawrence dedicated to the restoration of its interiors. John Ragsdale shared nothing but praises after working with Lawrence as she described him to be “a perfectionist… extremely capable in executing anything you may need in wood,” and recommended him “unconditionally.” Lawrence’s millwork frequently blends so seamlessly with the work of earlier carpenters and craftsmen that you don’t even notice it’s new. For that, and his dedication to millwork for 45 years and counting, HCF recognized Lawrence as a 2016 Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award winner.