Robert Lovett
by Lew Larason
In the 17th century, Lower Bucks County was mostly forest that was inhabited by Native Americans,” Robert Lovett said, “One of the earliest European settlers was an ancestor of mine, Edmond Lovett (1646-1732). He arrived here in 1681. Lovetts have been in Lower Bucks ever since.” Hanging on a wall in his home is a framed sampler dated 1817, which was stitched by Jane Lovett, another one of his ancestors.
Robert grew up in Upper Makefield. In his youth Robert helped his father, Robert P. Lovett, who was a first class woodworker, carpenter and stonemason. After four years at the George School in Newtown, he graduated. He then studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, followed by studying at the Philadelphia College of Art. He was interested in many subjects, among them industrial design.
Robert lived in Solebury for 10 years, after which he moved to his present location outside of Newtown in 1993. The house was built by his father, who worked on the structure from 1950 to 1954. Since moving Newtown he has done some work on the dwelling. He has changed and added things, making it more suitable for his life. He also planted a few more trees, “My father loved trees,” he said. He’s responsible for planting many of the specimens on this property.”
Robert could be called a Renaissance man. He builds wood furniture, does millwork, makes flooring and creates and installs cabinetry. He also does some metal work. For instance, he designed and crafted the hinges and latches for his garage. It had been an open area. He enclosed it and then designed and made the doors and their hardware.
To finish reading about Robert Lovett, please turn to page 52 in the Winter 2013/14 issue of Bucks County Magazine.