Our Story:
Black Creek Workshop LLC is a Class A historic preservation contractor, based in Toano, Virginia. We utilize traditional hand tool techniques along with modern tools and materials to deliver the highest quality and most historically accurate construction and restoration services to our clients. Our work includes museum quality restorations at some of our nation’s oldest historic sites, museums and private homes. We also work with architects and individual clients to bring historic influences to new constructions and commercial spaces. We have a team of highly skilled journeyman and apprentice carpenters, along with an extensive network of historic tradesmen and artisans that allow us to provide a full range of historic preservation needs.
Ben Bristow: Owner/Founder
Striving to be the best, Ben has built his skill set over the years. Working in and learning trades since he was 12 years old. Starting at Colonial Williamsburg in the Brass Foundry, and then the Gunsmith Shop, before starting Black Creek Workshop LLC in 2010 focusing on historic preservation. Never afraid of a challenge, reaching for bigger and better opportunities, Ben has grown Black Creek Workshop LLC into the company it is today. In addition to all the logistics of running a business, he is a very hands-on owner, often you can find him on site or in the shop working on projects and getting it done.
Some of Our Partners:
Christopher Henkels: Preservation Carpenter/Blacksmith
Knowledgeable in a little bit of everything, Chris brings a wide range of skills to the team. Chris has gathered a wide range metal working skills by spending 2 years at MICA as a sculpture student, followed by 7 years at Colonial Williamsburg’s Blacksmith Shop where he earned Journeyman status. He is also experienced in modern construction and traditional woodworking techniques he learned while growing up and working for his father’s carpentry business. With a keen eye for detail, Chris is always working hard to get whatever the task at hand may be, completed thoroughly and efficiently.
Andy DeLisle: Preservation Carpenter/Wheelwright
Specializing in working with hand tools, Andy has an eye for very intricate shop work. He has worked on a number of projects, including a few handmade furniture pieces we’ve done for Colonial Williamsburg, and the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation. Andy spent 13 years at the Wheelwright’s shop in Colonial Williamsburg learning and honing his woodworking skills and earning his Journeyman papers. Andy loves talking woodworking, and will gladly discuss any aspect of it with you, from what to do with what types of tree to antique hand tool and furniture finds.
Jesse Robertson: Preservation Craftsman/Artist
A man of muscle and finesse. Jesse enjoys working on heavier duty jobs that involve more rustic tools such as axes, but also the tasks that require a finer touch. His interests lie in the earlier era jobs, like those we’ve done at Jamestown Settlement or Jamestown Rediscovery, working on things like a Yehakin Indian village hut, and the lath and plastering of the reconstructed Jamestown Church. Jesse is also a fine arts painter by trade and has also helped with paint restoration projects, and some detailed painting for museum displays.