Walfred Thulin

Born in Sweden, Thulin came to America at the age of 22 as a talented wood carver who soon affiliated himself with Herman Dudley Murphy. In 1912 he opened his own shop on Boylston Street in Boston; here he worked until the end of his life in 1949. He was involved in the creation of many churches in his lifetime, and was closely associated with architect Ralph Adams Cram. He is responsible for the altar cross in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and his signature is found in many trays, chests, candle sticks, and, of course, frames which he designed for leading artists (such as John Singer Sargent). His work can be found in the top museums in the country.