Repairing a Thrift Store Mirror - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2019
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this antique 19th c. ogee mirror of the American Empire period, found for a song at a charity shop here in Maine. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
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I love your videos , I really liked how you kept that little bit of writing on the back , it is such a thrill when you buy antique furniture when you find a little something left behind from past owners , I also love the way you keep as much of its originality as possible , your restoration is so gentle to the piece you are working on you are a true master , thanks for sharing and saving these beautiful pieces .
You're welcome! I appreciate your comments
I think I can speak for all of us when I say you are indeed the best at what you do . Superb workmanship and beautifully detailed commentary explaining everything . Thank you so much Tom.
You're welcome!
The generations that have looked into that mirror.... what a lovely piece to hang on your wall, great work Tom.
Thanks!
Your videos are excellent. You make me feel like a kid again watching my father working on different projects. Over 70 years ago and still fresh in my mind, thanks to you. Love your supporting cast of animals. Best wishes.
Thank you! I love it when my videos can evoke these old memories. I'm thinking of my dad often
This is therapy for me. It’s your demeanor and quality of work that genuinely calm my mind. Thank you Tom.
You're welcome!
Great work Tom. Just loved the intro with your fur friends and your dog clearly loves you enough to fall asleep on a cold shed floor. The final shot of you checking your look in the mirror was classic. It's so Lively to see these precious skills of yours being shared with those of us with neither said skills or sheds!! Thankyou.
Emily Liberty.
You're welcome!
I love watching the beginning to see what animals you have to share with us!
Thanks!
It amazes me how easy you make it look. It shows a great deal of knowledge about restoring antiques. It was my favorite pastime
Thanks!
Another wonderful video Thomas, never thought that one day I would so enjoy watching glue dry !!! great job !
Thanks! That's good, you made me realize that's exactly what I do!
I have this exact mirror! Same dimensions, same veneer, everything. Despite my very amateurish attempt to replace some of the veneer about 25 years ago, I still love it and it hangs in my living room.
That's great! They are very handsome frames. I wonder how many of these were produced, and by whom? Could it have been an early 19th century production line operation? That's about the time they started figuring out these production methods
I also have a mirror that looksvery similar to this too. The glass though is bad, with streaks and splotches so that everything looks kind of blurry. I love it
That mirror could not have fallen into better hands. I love that you put as much care into a modest mirror as into a priceless antique. The result is outstanding… as always.
Thank you! 😊
Mr. Johnson, you a conservation artist. You inspire us, your followers. Thank you, John.
You’re welcome!
@@johnsonrestoration I envy you living in Ghoram Maine. That is a wonderful area of the country. Please forgive my grammatical error in my first post. I am a terrible typist and an even worse proof reader. Happy Thanksgiving. John
Well worth the money, Thomas. I love to see items like this restored instead of dumped. Great job as usual. Regards, Solomon
Thanks Solomon! So many things must end up in the dump, it's sad
When you left the finished mirror standing on the table at the end of the video, my anxiety jumped up about 10 levels.
Sorry! It was well supported from behind!
I've seen so many old pieces I thought were unrepairable. It is great to see it is possible for some of these pieces to get new and beautiful life restored! thanks for being one of the soldiers standing against a throw away world!
I like that "soldiers" bit! Thanks!
Fine piece of work Thomas? Cannot understand why you do not have more subscribers. The high grade of perfection you reach in your work, combined with your calm and sympathetic way of presentation, deserves a much larger public. Thanks for downloading this. Rgds from Germany, Robert.
Thank you Robert! Well, I'm getting more all the time. Share!
I learn something new every time I watch you. Thank you Sir.
You're welcome!
Excellent work Tom! Your attention to detail is incredibly admirable. Thank you for taking my suggestion and telling us how many hours go into each repair. It makes us appreciate your hard work even more.
Thanks! I take people's suggestions to heart, although I often forget to say the hours
I just came across your videos a little over a week ago. I am hooked! I absolutely love watching restore these pieces of history! I find it fascinating and amazing. Very impressed, very!
Thank you!
Tom works slowly and carefully . That was a nice ,not too obtrusive, restoration . Sometimes other restorers go too far . I have never seen Tom go overboard .Bravo Tom.
Thank you!
Just found your channel and now I'm binge-watching on a cold damp day. Whoever does your camera work is to be commended also. Wonderful close-ups, especially that 200-year old nail!
Subscribed and looking forward to watching more. Thanks for taking the time to show us how restoration should be done
You're welcome! And welcome to the channel! I do the photography and Nick Barker does the editing.
Incredible job! I really enjoy the longer videos. Thanks, Tom!
You're welcome!
OMGoodness! You meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using as much of the original materials as possible is very impressive.$4.00 + TJAFR= $4,000+! Thank you so very much for saving these masterpieces!
Thank you! 😊
My compliments on your craftsmanship. As well, compliments to whoever is doing the photography! Excellent work both of you.
Thanks! That would be me! I appreciate it
Beautiful job! And funny how you fixed your “hair” at the end.. 😆
Your videos are one of the very few I get excited about appearing in my cue
Thank you! Did you really have to put quotation marks around hair?
@@johnsonrestoration You reminded me of a 15 year old boy getting ready to go out -- and I'm sure you had hair then
@@firecracker4151: Just remember: Grass doesn't grow on a busy street.
He "looks pretty good".
The masking tape hinges for the veneer are genius!
Thanks!
So glad to see your channel up and running again. I have enjoyed your videos for years. It is great to see such a skilled craftsman at work and I appreciate you sharing your work and your animal friends with us.
Thank you! And I appreciate you watching!
I'm sure the person who made this beautiful piece would be so happy to know it's even more beautiful since you worked your magic on it.
Thanks! I think so! I hope so!
Thomas Thank you so much for posting these vids.. They are a joy to watch... Thank you from the UK
You're welcome!
A true master. Thank you for another video lesson.
You're welcome!
Hello Tom. You seemed to do this simply for the pleasure. Someone who does this for a living and still does it just to do it is truly fortunate. Thank you for these videos.
Thanks! This I did just to do. But in all my other videos these are for customers, and I have to make money doing it!
So pleased that this lovely mirror came into your capable hands and you were able to make it glorious again.
Thank you!
Woooooow this mirror back to life
You always do a stunning work
Thank you!
I love the restoration of found pieces like this. Curb finds ect
Yes! I love saving things that were headed to the dump!
@@johnsonrestoration I'd like to see you save one after it's been saved. For instance the beautiful natural wood pieces painted white/pink ect in "recycle/reuse" life. Such a tragedy.
I almays particularly enjoy and admire Tom's patient custom-making pieces of missing veneer pieces on his antique restroration projects. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
You Sir are an artist, a restorer and a scientist. You certainly have my admiration and respect.
God bless you.
Thank you! So kind! I appreciate it
Tom checking his hair :).
Legend!
Think SNL's Californians
As always, a pretty good reflection on (of) you!
Good one! Thanks!
I appreciate that you even show the little things that didn't quite go to plan...many thanks for the uploads.
You're welcome!
What an artisan you are! When I watch your videos, I have the same reaction I do when I watch an orchestra playing classical music -- as long as people like you exist and create, there is hope for the civilized world.
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words
Great work as usual Young Thomas! (Patience of a saint!!) ha ha!
Thanks! I don't know where the patience comes from!
It's interesting that while seeing you repairing wood it's not always what you do, but what you do NOT do, that makes the difference in the finished project.
Thank you! I like that
Pure genius a pleasure to see a craftsman at work. Thank you Mr Johnson
You're welcome!
What a great find! We don’t have antique finds like this in thrift shops here in Australia. It would be $30 for a plastic second hand one here. I aspire to have some skills like you one day. I could watch the whole 6 hours on video you said you put into it , you are so relaxing to watch plus I always learn something. Thank you for the effort and time you put into your videos.
You're welcome! and thanks for watching!
Beautiful work Tom as always,love watching your videos.
Thanks!
I second this! I always chuckle a little when Tom shows these exquisite pieces after they have received the care of his precise, professional, talented hands:
"It looks pretty good."
Tom, it is absolute stunning, truly.
Thomas Johnson thank you great for Tutorial, admiro art of wood ,create ,restore and reveal beauty old peace ,thank you
You"re welcome!
That mirror got lucky, to have you take it home. It's lovely.
Thank you!
AAwww you make me miss my Dad - he would love your channel. You did an exceptional job on the mirror - love it!
Thank you! I miss my Dad too - and if only he could see these
I was thinking the same while watching these, how my wood-worker dad would have loved these videos. He even dressed a lot like you, he was from NH and learned the carpentry trade from his French Canadian grandfather. Thank you for your videos!
It looks amazingly good Tom...four dollars...I must be shopping in all the wrong places and attending the wrong sales!
Dave
Thanks! This one was from the Goodwill warehouse store!
Here in New England you can find many examples of this type of Empire style furniture at flea markets and antique stores. Quite common here in the New England area as opposed to other areas of the US.
very well done!
there's that "historical" sticker on the back with who bought it from whom... just for shits and giggles i'd have added my own sticker "picked up at a thrift store on (date) and restored by thomas johnson. estimated value (however much it's worth now)".
You know, that's a good idea! Why not? I'll ask the owner if it's OK, I think they won't mind a bit!
@@johnsonrestoration and while you do that: tell them to add a sticker of their own. this way some future owner will know at least a bit of the piece's history!
Nice work as usual! Thanks for taking the time to show the world these old pieces are worth saving.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Absolutely beautiful...thanks for your continued videos.
You are very welcome!
Ever the optimist, Tom... You say it's "in really good condition", then immediately list a whole series of problems! Anyway, fine work as always.
Thanks! Well, it was good enough that it could still be used as a mirror! But I can always find problems!
Nice work. Some people won't realise the cost of the years of experience that stand behind those six hours of labour and the value of the end product.
Well, when you do the same thing as the original manufacture did & re-use too large nails, that is not experience, that's slop.
Thanks! You're right!
Thanks for watching! Well, I can't think there's anything wrong with putting back a nail that appears to be original. The hole is there, what are you going to do?
Came out really great and saved a real antique.
Thank you!
Loved watching how you tenderly restored this mirror.
It is a very nice piece....1830! Six hous of labor!
Wow!
Thank you very much!
When you're hammering a nail almost 200 years old back in, do you find yourself imagining who the original man who hammered it in, was like?
Oh Yes! All the time!
Yes and don't forget the person,(probably a child or a woman), who hammered that nail into shape on an anvil.
@@jonka1 And the children who hauled the ore out of the mine in New Hampshire.
"Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest one of all..?"
Yes, if it could only talk. Somehow I don't think it would be me!
you?
I love it when you do the small thrifted items. That turned out beautiful.
Thanks!
Only my 2nd video, but I love your channel. It's a real privilege watching such a skilled person as yourself work. The mirror turned out beautifully. Can't wait to watch more videos!
Thanks! I am a huge fan of Annie Oakley after watching the show about her on PBS American Masters. So I'm wondering why you have adopted that moniker?
Tom, I am continually amazed at how receptive to re-gluing and re-attachment the fragile original veneer is to restoration. I've peeled off loose bubbled veneer and started over thinking the tiny bits and pieces weren't salvagable. You make it look easy. The difference between a amateur and a true pro - heart! I should be braver!
Thanks! Yeah, you have to dive into it! For me, the pressure's on when the camera is rolling!
I'd be curious to know if the thrift store would still have asked $4 if they saw the finished project.
Extra thumbs up for the puppy at 22:54
Thanks!
What fantastic work, Tom. That mirror came up beautifully 👍
Thanks! That reminds me I've got to go shave........
The preening at the end is perfect! And 1830 - we don't really see that sort of thing out here on the other coast. Beautiful!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Absolutely beautiful piece! I love seeing your
true artistry with close-ups of your skilled hands
@ work!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Beautiful work and result. Thank you for showing us
You’re welcome!
Lovely! What a find, and a great restoration.
Thanks!
Sir, you are an artist. After watching your videos I am both envious of your skill and incredibly relaxed from your low key personality and soothing voice.
Thank you! So nice of you
Quite the difference from start to finish. So nice. Your craftsmanship is exceptional.
Thank you!
The work you do is amazing! Absolutely love it!!!
Thanks!
Amazing work Tom, your attention to detail & finishing is stunning!
Thanks!
I love that you obviously love animals..., and I love your attitude to those vintage wooden things. Your work is stunning, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and showing your awesome skills...
You are very welcome! I learn a lot from my animals
Amazing! Love it. You have such a gift. Reminds me of my Uncle Stan and my Great Uncle Harry. Both got me into woodworking at a young age. 🧡
Thanks! I'm glad you took advantage of the opportunity!
love the creative but simple solutions. Truly an artist.
Thanks!
It always makes me smile when you say it looks pretty good, well i can tell you it is more like amazing as always with your work. Thank you Tom, the most understated craftsman, well done sir.
Thank you!
The great old frames are definitely a worthwhile woodworking project. Even the ones constructed with softer woods are a worthwhile project. I spent about 40-cents on a couple of soft wood frames, and after cleaning and sanding them, I spray painted them with gray satin paint. I needed some frames of that size and I had the prints matted in gray with a dark pewter color on the inside of the matts. That was about 15 years ago and I still love the pictures and the frames I cleaned up to put them in. The frames themselves are about 3-inches wide - something you don't get anymore when you take pictures to be professionally framed. If you can find thick frames like that (and that's a tall order), you pay cost prohibitive prices for them. Great job on the frame - a worthwhile project indeed.
Thanks! there are so many good frames out there, it's great to reuse them. It sounds like you did a good job!
@@johnsonrestoration , I just found an antique frame that someone painted unfortunately. The paint hasn't been on it that long so will likely be a gooey mess to take the paint off. Once doing so, I'll have a really nice frame to use as a mirror or picture. I'm thinking mirror. I found some really nice unfinished, handcrafted ones at my local thrift store for onl;y $80-cents each. Someone actually made them. They're about 3 inches/wide/ thick. You know what shocks me is how so many are ending up at thrift stores. I've got two 3-4 inch thick maple door mirrors that I'm planning on using. I think they need touch up at most. I paid only $2.50 each.
Thank You
A joy to watch a master craftsman passing on his talents
You're welcome!
My admiration for you and the work you do grows every time I see you take on another veneer repair/stain match. Amazing work.
Thanks!
Missed you Tom! Beautiful work, simple but outstanding piece, thanks for posting it! Cheers
Thanks again! I appreciate you watching!
Thank you Thomas for another Master Class in antique furniture restoration.
You're welcome!
Patient expert work, as usual. I love the humorous touch of you smoothing your hair down in the reflection. :-)
Thanks! Yes, that was good
Once again a terrific job 👍... keep them coming Tom. 🍀
Thanks! I will!
I jump with joy every time I see a video from you in the queue. It inspires me to carry on with my own wood working, and to be patient with it, to do it right. Thank you for sharing your work!
You're welcome!
Very satisfying! Love the 'simple' jobs best! Just a whole lot of care and attention to detail. Nice
Thanks!
Thank you for saving this beautiful piece of history. I'm learning so much from you and U also thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us all
You're welcome!
The finish work you did really brought it back to life.
Thanks! yes, it did!
Thank you Thomas! Another exemple of how you restore antiques with respect and craftsmanship. Cheers from Belgium
You're welcome! And hello to Belgium!
I agree wonderful work, you are a Master, thank you for sharing you talents and processes with us.
You're welcome!
May I say, I've had a relentless May and June, one of those times in your life you're juggling more than you think you should. This Friday evening is the first time in a long time I haven't had exams, assignment deadlines, travelling or my side business to worry about. I typed TH-cam into my browser and knew I felt like watching one of your videos, and there it was, freshly uploaded 7 hours ago. Thank you ever so much, what a treat this is and has made my weekend.
You are very welcome! It's amazing to me that people can feel this way and it makes me feel good!
Excellent work as always Tom - and that mirror is such a nice piece!
Thanks!
It's always a pleasure to watch a true craftsman at work ... thank you.
You're welcome!
Absolutely beautiful results!
Thanks!
Oh this is just joyous! To watch a true craftsman at work is a wonder. Well done sir!
Thank you!
That looks fantastic. Great work as always.
Thanks!
Pleasure watching a master at work.
Thanks!
You are truly an artist! From Calgary Alberta Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you!
What a lovely find! So glad it was rescued, and came under your gentle, loving expertise! Restored to its full, original beauty!!
Thanks!
I really enjoyed your video. It's lovely in these days of throw-away to see restoration so conscientiously and patiently done. Gives me some hope for the future.
Thank you!
You lovingly repaired this mirror. It looked fantastic! I love how you do your best, but don't stress about something that just isn't ever going to be perfect!
Thanks!
Wow, you did a fabulous job on restoring that mirror. And you do it with such ease. I enjoyed watching.
Thank you so much!