Battered Bureau or Hidden Beauty? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มี.ค. 2023
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome bureau. 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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You removed the bad stuff, but left all the character that a 200 year old piece should have. Beautiful work.👍
Thanks 👍 Yes, I felt it was successful!
I agree that the history of this piece of furniture needed to be preserved. What a beautiful job Tom did on it!
Best rub it with a slightly damp single layer cloth and a rubber sanding block. Easy peezy.
Mr. Johnson, your skill is amazing and your love for these old pieces is obvious. And you always seem so calm and unhurried.
Thanks! Yes, no reason to rush! I always say the fastest way to get something done is to take your time
Your closing comments about the historical integrity of furniture was great to hear. Thank you for your dedication to preserving the everyday furniture of people who valued and used them many years ago.
I guarantee that anyone else faced with this piece would have refinished it. Your ability to keep the history and character preserved even though it had extensive damage is amazing to me. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible skills with us Tom.
Thank you! I was lucky that it worked out so well
Yep, it looked like someone had used it to cut fire wood on.
As always excellent job
You’re the king of restoration!❤
It seems like on TH-cam the trend is to make videos of people finding old furniture, sand it within an inch of it's life, then paint it or not sand and just slap chalk paint on it. I have always loved the look of natural wood on a piece. It is lovely to see this piece of history returning to health. Great work! I'll bet the customer was happy. btw, those chickens are so adorable!
Thanks Marilyn! I could not agree more!
Ahhh, but now I’m seeing them buy the painted ones, stripping them back to wood and restoring them. lol
I love the fact that you kept the piece's history intact. As others have said, anyone else would have refinished it.
Thanks! I'm glad people agree
My goodness, Tom. It is such a joy to watch the meticulousness of your work.
Thank you!
I have to admit that when I first saw this one, I was sure you'd have to do a lot more sanding than you actually did. I just wasn't seeing how this one could really come out looking nice without doing all that. Once again though, Tom, you've shown me that you can preserve the antiquity of furniture without refinishing it all. I'm amazed at how nice this looked in the end. You've managed to keep the look of it's age while making it a piece that is still functional and presentable. That's invaluable.
Thank you Wallace! I figured why not try - I could always sand it down if it didn’t work. I lucked out
The finish you achieved on this antique chest of drawers still holds reminders of much of what has happened to it in it's long life. You have preserved both it’s beauty and memory. Such excellent work!
The Bob Ross of furniture repair and restoration! I have been watching for years now. And have learned so much. Can’t appreciate this channel enough. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and talent
I can't think of two more opposite personalities than Bob Ross and Tom Johnson
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Interesting! But of course, no one is saying I personally am like Bob Ross, but that our videos have the same effect. Thanks!
The difference in hairdos alone is enough to get me laughing....just teasing Tom. 😁👍
I'd give anything to see the customers face when they see what a beautiful piece this is compared to what it was. Your skill and knowledge just blows us away. Nice job.
For real! I often think that I would so love to see how the customer responds to these miracles that Tom performs.
Thanks! A lot of people have suggested that. Just too difficult to pull off
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Amazing result, with respect for the originality of this piece. That family must be very happy getting it back with all of its history conserved.
Thanks! They are!
Yes, the 'feel of the years' is so important, and satisfying. The owners will be delighted.
Thanks, Tom!
Couldn't agree more! Thanks!
Well done, Tom. You succeeded and it was wonderful to see its history.
Thank you Liz!
@@johnsonrestoration You are quite welcome!
Another great care restoration, preserving the family's history with this piece. I'm near 80, so I can appreciate the history each person/family can have towards their furniture. I have had a lot with some of mine. and I miss the ones that got lost over time and years . I can still remember a closet chest of drawers we had when i was a child, its long gone but it still evokes fond memories. Funny how we can relate to pieces of wood from our past. and you sir. exemplify how to keep that memory intact thru your skill thanks for sharing it all with us. ECF.
Thanks Ellis! I too use the same chest of drawers I've had for 60 years! One of these days I will restore it
Keeping a piece of history preserved is a great feeling. I love to see you bring things back to life. Kentucky is always watching. I learn from each of your videos.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
This man is a national treasure.
Thank you! That is very nice!
Gorgeous piece. I appreciate how you preserved its character while refreshing it for use over the next hundred years.
Thank you!
What a treasure! And I’m not just talking about the chest of drawers. Tom Johnson’s repair skills are also a treasure!
Thank you! That's so nice!
You never cease to inspire me. Not only because your work is so beautiful, but because of your patient attitude of "well, let's try this and see how she goes." It really helps to know that a real expert and artist like you, are just "trying stuff out" (or course with a wealth of experience) and that if it doesn't quite work out, you just keep at it. I try to apply your calm,patient approach to everything I do now.
I need to catch up. I just found this channel. I'm obsessed with the craft of woodworking and restoration.
Thanks! I like to say the fastest way to get something done is to take your time
Thank you! And welcome to the channel
Mr Tom you did it again! Perfect!!
Thank you!
Beautiful job. Thank you for preserving history, instead of wiping it out.
You're welcome! I'm glad so many people get that
Just looks superb! The perfect blend of ‘no ugly’ and timeworn patina. Who wouldn’t want to use that chest!
Thanks! That's nice
At first, I was glued to your restoration…but in the long run, I took a shine to it.😉 Great job!😀
That got me laughing! Thanks!
I'm always impressed by the care you take with every detail; it really speaks of not only your great experience but also understanding of your materials.
Thank you! That's nice
I spent a couple of decades doing carpentry work and am not retired. I have had such a good time watching your videos, learning and then slowly applying what I’ve learned towards restoring and repairing a few of our antiques. Thanks so much for all you have offered here.
You are so welcome! That makes me happy
So well done Tom. Your determination to preserve the character of the piece rather than trying to make it look like new, resulted in a beautiful finish. I am sure the owner will be delighted with it for many years to come. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
This, this is one of the many things I love about your work. The respect and understanding of just how and why your clients want you to do what you do. Such a loving touch to produce a beautiful job of preserving the history for the family. 👍
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it!
Beautifully restored! Many generations have loved and used it and you have given it some much needed TLC.😊
Yes! Thank you!
I am so happy, to see another antique piece of furniture with its aged and beautiful patina, saved from chalk paint - without exaggeration almost every sense in my body feels it.
That's great! Thank you
Such a considerate gentle preservation/restoration. Just master craftsmanship of the highest calibre. Thanks again Tom for sharing your considerable knowledge and talent. When it comes to antique furniture I can see why your clients trust you with their precious heirlooms. Hope you and your family are keeping well. All the best as usual from across the pond. Kate x
Thank you!
Love your videos, great inspiration to us all with your commitment to the historical aspect of the pieces you work on.
Thank you very much!
And that's how it's done! The finish is beautiful and all the character is still there. Great job, Mr. Johnson!
Thank you!
Mr. Thomas, I so enjoy watching a master at work, thank you.
You are very welcome!
It's such a pleasure to watch you bring a piece of furniture back to life. Your love for your craft is apparent. I could only wish to live close enough to your shop to be able to bring in a piece to be treated with such care.
Thanks!
It looks pretty good… 😂
I love that you give as much TLC to a simple family heirloom as you would a very expensive piece. What a gentleman restorer you are, Tom…
Thank you! That's nice. Yes, I try to treat every piece the same
You’re the king of restoration!❤
Thank you Helen! That's nice
It is really a pleasure and a luxury to be able to watch a profesional “pamper” a piece of furniture so delicately, taking into account the wishes of the client and the needs of the piece. It is exemplary. Thank you!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Thanks Tom for another great video. It’s wonderful how you demonstrated the method in preserving the patina on the piece. I’ve been doing my own restoration projects like this for years. I don’t know if it’s the case over in your neck of the woods that people want antiques to look like new rather than antique. Here in Australia, it seems to be the norm. When restoring a piece for someone else, I usually deter my client from any heavy restoration unless it’s absolutely necessary. Not only that but keeping the patina on the piece generally makes it more valuable.
Thanks Alex! I agree. Most people come to me and say "I want this refinished" and I say "no you don't!" Nicely of course and then explain to them that "Grandma's Dresser" still has to look like "Grandma's Dresser" when I'm done.
Hahaha, yes. I have the same conversations with my clients too! Thank you for showing the world how it should be done. If I had the technological know-how, I would too.
I think there should be another category for work like this. Fine art is conserved. I think this beautiful work that maintains the integrity of the piece is also conservation. Sometimes "restoring" is thought to mean to "making something look new." I do not want my antiques to look new. I love that they tell a story! But I want them to be maintained and cared for. Thank you for showing us how that can be achieved.
I agree - the term restoration is used so loosely that it’s meaning is imprecise. I’d love a new term that celebrates the history while repairing the “ugly”.
Thanks Laura! I like that! I also like "sympathetic restoration"
Thank you for respecting the work of the person who built this beautiful piece of furniture.
You're welcome! I like that!
I love that you repaired it and kept the character in this piece.
Thanks! Yes, it worked out well
Wonderful piece. I love you attitude toward preservation of the finish and texture.
Thank you! I love the texture!
A wonderful restoration, thanks for posting it.
You’re welcome!
Whenever I find a new video on a Friday I have to restrain myself from watching it immediatley. Instead, I save it for Sunday, so I can fully enjoy the comfort it brings.
Love that! Thanks!
Beautiful, Tom. Simply beautiful! Watching and learning from you I have developed a great appreciation for restoring rather than strip down and refinish.
That’s great! Thanks
I scratched my head on those escutcheon troughs: those handles were loose for so long that the escutcheons traveled in an orbit for years (decades). Going with putty repair was an eye opener for me: your precision is amazing in terms of color, fill, and later finish. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos.
Thanks! And I learn something new every time I'm making a video! It works both ways
This channel is one of the best things on the internet.
Thank you! That's nice
Beautifulĺy done! Thank God you preserved 200 years with your delicate restauration. Greetings from Germany.
Thank you! I appreciate it! Hello to Germany!
Wonderful job of bringing the dresser back to life without taking the 'life' out of it, Thomas Johnson. I so love to watch your videos!
Thanks! I like that!
A Just Enough Effort restoration .Well done, Tom
Many thanks!
Well done! Those aren't scars, they're character marks or memories. Love the chickens again.
Yes! Well said
Enjoy your videos, I’ve loved restoration since childhood, it’s great you restore the integrity of these lovely pieces .
Thanks!
You're welcome Jim!
What a beautiful job of repairing the damage and preserving the patina! I hope the customer appreciates you giving the chest of drawers another 200 years of useful life.
Thanks! They do!
There is so much zen in the way this master conducts himself. I am sure he has many Japanese fans.
Thanks! I wish that was true! I can actually look that up in the TH-cam analytics
What a beautiful, sensitive restoration, improving a well worn family heirloom, reviving its grace and value fit for pride of place once again.
Thank you Alistair!
Comme d’habitude Tom une remarquable restauration sans en faire trop et en laissant ce meuble dans son jus. Bravo.
He did it his way...
(Sorry - bad joke triggered by the 'comme d'habitude')
Merci! J'aime ça!
I get it!
@@johnsonrestoration Then you are part of a small minority of musically erudite people, Tom.
Happy Easter to you and family!
The Bob Ross of furniture, restoration, great job
Thanks! I like that!
I learn so much from your videos Tom. Thanks so much for showing how to restore and preserve these venerable objects for the next generations.
You're so welcome!
Thomas, you are an artist.
Thank you!
Another beautiful, sensitive restoration. Many restorers would have sanded away 200 years of character, it was good to see that you carried out minimal sanding preserving the character and leaving the age of the piece. By inserting a simple pin on the rear plate on the handle you did what should have been done by the original maker, a simple fix that will stop future wear.
Always a pleasure watching you work.
Thank you! Yes, I think this worked out well
I like that it shows all the years, good and bad, but also looks fine and loved now. Like a beloved and aged family member.
Thanks!
Tom excellent!! We are all lucky to be able to watch your videos. Your knowledge and workmanship only comes from years of experience and age. Thanks.
You're welcome!
You do such stellar-caliber craftsmanship on heirloom pieces;the families must be thrilled to have their beloved furnishings made ready to be used, cherished and admired for the next 200 years.
Thank you! Yes, they are happy
wow !
So happy to see you back. Perhaps it’s been me that hasn’t been here.
I admire the love and respect you and your team demonstrate on the furniture you restore.
Again thank you one and all. shalom
Thank you Mercedes! Yes, I've been posting every 2 weeks - you must have missed some
I like the way, at the beginning of your videos, you give your viewers the bird.
That's a good one!
Watching Tom restore and preserve these beautiful old pieces of furniture, is food for the soul. Thanks for your dedication Tom.
You're welcome! That's very nice
As a novice wood worker in my retirement I enjoy watching and gleaning from your years of skills and love of what you do. Thank you for sharing what you do. ☑️
You're welcome! Enjoy your retirement!
Wowza! What a beautiful restoration!!! You never fail to surprise! Just beautiful.
Thank you Deette!
Preserving the evidence of hand planing the top and drawer fronts was a very nice touch.
Thank you! I love that shot of the top with the plane marks
Stunning finish Tom - you are perfectly correct about not sanding the top right back - all that history would be lost. It looks fabulous again and should last another 200 years, thanks to your care and attention. Thanks for sharing your skills with us. Take care 🙂
You're welcome!
Beautiful piece of history. Restored just enough. ❤
Thank you!
You have once again demonstrated that less is more. I continue to be impressed by the results you achieve with minimal intervention.
Thanks! That's my goal!
You really do love that old wood. It is a joy to watch you rescuing the furniture and the history.
Thank you!
Invaluable resource here. I finally learned the difference between shellac and varnish. I love watching these videos!
Thanks! It is an interesting subject.
Perfect compromise between historical patina, appearance and functionality. Beautiful work as always.
Thank you so much 😀
Tom, I think you performed a miracle on this piece. Just beautiful!
Thank you!
I'm so glad you kept the character. It's a beautiful restoration. Well done 👍
Thanks! Yes, it worked out well
You are indeed a person who believes in the Sympathic Repair! And I applaud you!
Thank you!
Great job!
Now…200 years from now? Is that even possible. Your amazing craftsman in every aspect of your trade. Thank you Sir.
You're welcome! I appreciate it
The in situ shots at the end are always a winner! Thanks for including them, it’s always nice to see where they live when outside of your workshop.
Thanks! They're all taken in our home!
A thing of beauty is a joy forever!
Thank you!
Thomas: what a wonderful restoration. The piece itself was a treasure and you made it shine even more. A great family heirloom. Carol from California
Thank you Carol!
Thank you so much for another fascinating restoration video. My day is always improved when see a new TJA video has been uploaded.
You're welcome!
Wow! The grains really came back life in this one! Well done, as always!
Thank you!
Very well done job restoring the chest of drawers. Your videos are always insightful and filled with great demonstrations of techniques and practices. Thank you.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
It's strange after watching your videos for a year and not to immediately see someone is missing in your intro speech 😔
Great work sir.
Thanks. We miss her so much
I used Krud Kutter to clean up the cabinets in my kitchen. They are Yellow Pine and they have gone very orange over the years. As a disabled person, tasks like that are time consuming and difficult so I find the best products that do most of the work for me. Tom introduced me to the Krud Kutter cleaners and I have been grateful ever since. My friends are older and they too now use it. I told Tom he should go fo a sponsorship with them! I even wrote the company on his behalf. Thanks again Tom!
Thank you! I would definitely do a sponsorship with them
You have a talent for preserving history in peoples belongings
Thanks! I'm trying!
Another wonderfully sympathetic repair. Thank you for sharing your lifetime of knowledge.
You're welcome!
Great work Tom. Your attention to detail and sensitivity to the aesthetics of the piece are remarkable👏👏👍
Thank you so much 😀
Family heirloom pieces really are the best. Excellent work as always, my friend. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
Very inspiring. This is exactly the treatment that some of our dining room pieces need.
Thanks!
Superb! You saw and preserved the beauty of this piece. So easy for a restorer to do a run-of-the-mill revamp which, in this case, would have been a great injustice. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Thank you very much!
I'm telling y'all that he is a wizard and not just an ordinary human! I appreciate him sharing his skills (wizardry) with us
Thank you! That's nice
I can always count on Tom to remind me I’m just an amateur - beautiful work.
Thanks! The word "amateur" does not mean inferior work, in fact often amateurs can do better work, no time constraints! Just keep at it!
Beautiful restoration - thank you for sharing this with your many viewers.
It's always a delight to watch your videos.
Thank you very much!
Simpler than many of your restorations, yet very instructive. Thank you.
Very welcome!
This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours because it is the kind of thing I do on furniture, having learned from you. And it confirms some things I have learned and I've learned new things in watching this - as always, from you. So thank you, Tom. You did an amazing job and I can just imagine how smooth that top turned out. Just lovely.
Thank you Nancy! You make me happy!
@@johnsonrestoration That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. Thanks.
Beautiful save! I concur with you on the top and not sanding too much. The years of wear add character.
Yes! It came out great. Thanks!
Good job Tom! I love that you are using the metric system in your videos these days. You do have an international audience. People from around the world are learning from you.
Happy Springtime!
Thanks! I'm trying to learn!
I love the way you repaired the leg properly after so many people in this furniture's past tried the quick and dirty fix. Your channel helps me appreciate even more all my Empire pieces.
Thanks! I like Empire too