Looking Glass Resurrection
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มี.ค. 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome Chippendale-style looking glass. 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 know I have worked wood for over 70 years and seen so very many restorations and patch jobs it is difficult to fathom. Nowhere have I seen talent like Thomas Johnson.
Wow! Thank you! I consider that high praise!
True
A. Bit like a jigsaw.
Lovely piece. I enjoy seeing you revive forgotten old things. For his viewers: Not only will you never have as complete a clamp collection as Thomas Johnson, you will never beat him in jigsaw puzzles.
So very true!
Thank you! But I hate jigsaw puzzles and I would just concede
Thanks!
I’m working on my clamp collection. I hope my wife never finds out how much I have paid out over the years 😅
I don't know of any one individual who has a more elaborate collection. Great workmanship. ❤
If there was a summer camp for adults I would want to go to Camp Thomas Johnson! What knowledge and experience I would gain! I would work on my Restoration merit badge, my Infinite Patience badge and the Advanced Clamping badge. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. 👍🏼😀❤️
Thanks! That got me laughing! Good idea though!
That’s a great comment!
Made me laugh also. You forgot your Merlin badge for learning how to mix many of Thom''s magic potions.🪄🧙♂️
I would be at camp Thomas Johnson with you. I would be Bringing home souvenir sawdust
It’s such a great pleasure to watch a craftsman at work, it truly is. Thank you again. ❤️
Absolutely delightful
You're so welcome!
Thank you!
Without a doubt my favourite restoration channel on TH-cam. Always a delight to watch a master, especially the respect with which he treats the objects he restores. His commentary is just right: no unnecessary waffling, everything is relevant yet interesting.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Mine too!
I am an lady who fixes my own things and I learn a lot from you This showed me how to tape together bits to glue thanks
You're welcome! I learned that trick years ago from a youtube video! It makes so much sense
So fortunate to have all the old pieces. Great work once again. I think the dear old lady would smile in approval.
I think so too! Thanks!
“Let’s see what we have here… It’s a jigsaw puzzle.” Great work, Tom!
Thank you!
What a beautiful restoration work Tom. It doesn't matter the piece does not originate from the mid-18th Century, nor is it a 'museum-quality' antique; what matters is that is beautiful and with your quality work, you have given it an extension of life for a few hundred more years. Thank you so much for showing us your masterful craft, a great pleasure to see you doing it. Much appreciated. Cheers
Thank you! That is exactly right! It doesn't matter how old it is or isn't
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. You are a master of your work. What a lovely mirror, fixed and made whole for a new generation.
Thank you!
It’s great to see you doing something for yourself! Please do more of these as it adds to the enjoyment when we see you doing for yourself!
Thanks! I'll be sure to say what's going to happen to the furniture. I'm emptying out my barn and we won't keep everything!
I really admire Your patience when You work on broken pieces Thomas .Even though (as a 90 year old) I consider a reproduction piece with a modern mirror to be a bit uninspiring, however, It's always great to relax away from the world and watch your masterly work .Many thanks .
Thank you! I agree about reproductions but at the same time I admire the work that went into any piece
Yes, I get excited when there is a new Tommy Johnson video on every other Friday because I know that the quality of restoration work content will keep me glued to my monitor during its play! I even shut my phone off so I will not be disturbed! I’m in my happy place! When it’s all over, reality of life sets back in, but I am inspired to sneak out in the workshop and play.
That's so nice! Thank you!
Oh, you made my day, sir. It was an ugly pile of junk and you saw its beauty. What lovely wood! Well done!
Thank you!
A commenter over on the Baungartner Restoration channel mentioned you, so I came over and watched this video. Holy moly! You have incredible skill and talent. I'm so excited to now have the project of watching your entire channel to date!
That's great! Welcome!
Wow! I've been watching you for well over 5-6 yrs now if not more Tom, and I have to admit this one was a great save!! anyone else would have looked in that bag and just chucked it. I love all the cleats you put on the joints to strengthen them. great save there. and the rubbing out with the 4 ought wool showed up great on how much it rubbed those nibs out etc thanks for the great video work also you never cease to amaze me on that!. and with out a doubt thanks for sharing ECF.
Thanks Ellis! I really like the back too with my cleats
A true craftsman. Books do not hold the practical and technical knowledge Mr.Johnson has.
We are so lucky to learn from these videos!
Thanks! That's exactly right! So many people have said "you should write a book" and I can't believe they don't realize a book can't even come close to a video for seeing how to do it
Thanks! I'm lucky too!
Hi Tom a nice little project , and I can see you had no option but to refinish the peace . I love the fact it’s been sat around for 20 years to be worked on , presumably because you’re constantly busy with other peoples work to find time for your own projects . But I think it was worth the wait , (excuse the pun) on reflection . Kind regards as always 😀👍👍👍
Thank you! "on reflection" made me laugh!
That looks beautiful. A real jigsaw puzzle to begin with. Lucky there were no pieces missing. Always a pleasure to watch you work.
Thanks! Yes, I was happy to see all the pieces!
You prove with every video that there is NO substitute for patience and experience! (And an inexhaustible supply of clamps and packing tape!)
Thanks!
Just beautiful! Your client knew that you would do right by the piece!
Thank you so much!
Coming home from work. It's a little bit like meditation to watch you working. Love it and you skills 😍
Thank you! That's nice
What a happy surprise to see what was under the old finish! Well worth the restoration. Thanks, Tom.
You're welcome!
Great work as usual! I especially liked the back view with all the supports; it almost looked like an art deco piece!
I remember back in the late 40's-50's many of our dads had workshops and a particular fascinating tool was the jigsaw. We were amazed at what our dad's could do with it, from making jigsaw puzzles to intricate work like this one. I'm wondering if this isn't an example of that period? The 50's were a great time for hobbies, as the nation prospered and we had more leisure time and money.
Odd how I can remember this so clearly and can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday! 🤭
Thanks! That makes a lot of sense, I had a feeling that the mirror is not factory made, but a very talented amateur. What you say supports that
The Wizard of Gorham appears once again with another outstanding restoration job... and now he has a magic mirror.
Mirror Mirror on the wall...
Graceful handwork … peaceful to watch. I watch previous episodes that I’ve missed to stay in that peaceful place. I bet many feel the same way about your Art 💕
Thank you! That's nice
Every piece of wood that could have broke, broke. And yet the mirror is intact! Go figure.
What a fun little project. Once again you bring something back to life which will give pleasure for generations to come.
Thanks! I'm interested in your historic home plans, I'll see if I can find them
I see you page, it looks interesting. Our house (1771) is largely original but I have a few areas where I'm wondering what the original might have been
Thanks to learning some tricks of your trade from you and Trena (John’s Furniture Repair) I was able to repair a cherished 40 year old keepsake by using a hair dryer as a heat gun. Thank you so much! ❤️
That's great! Trena does a lot of good work! It makes me happy that people can watch these videos and then do their own repairs
I have a bad case of clamp-envy 🙂, great work Tom!
A common feeling among folks who watch furniture refinishing videos.
I always envied the whole shop! I think I could spend days in there constantly discovering wonderful things...
Thanks!
Thank you! That's nice
Thanks! 👍
Clamping sequence. An art in itself. Shown by the master.
Thanks!
Tom. The simple fact is illuminated in every step of the process. As according to the old saying: "Sunshine proves its own existence." You are a master craftsman.
I like that! Thanks!
I missed you Tom ❤
Hi Fater! I've been here! I'm publishing new videos just once per month now
@@johnsonrestoration that’s an awful lot of time to wait for beloved Tom 🥹
@@johnsonrestoration but then Emily told me about you agreeing on scaling back a bit (I’m not gonna use the « r » word ) it has bad omens 🙂
Hallo Thomas, du hast wieder ein schönes Stück zum Leben erweckt, sehr gut gemacht 👍☺️ Ich wünsche dir ein schönes Wochenende viele Grüße Christel
SO THIS IS HOW A PRO RESTORES A WRECKED ANTIQUE. FASCINATING WATCH, TOM. WELL DONE!!!
Thank you!
Glad to see you back 👍 Beautiful work as always.
Thank you very much!
Nothing completes my week as well as a warm glass of Brandy and another cherished upload.
Yes! I like the Brandy part
@@johnsonrestoration I lead by example!
It's a real joy to see how you revive these discarded item. It's not hard to see that you really love what you do.
Thanks! I do!
This is my new favorite channel to relax and learn. I have many antiques to work on when I move and drag them out of storage. Now I have a pretty good idea of what will need to be done!
Great! I hope it doesn't discourage you! My problem is that these pieces were stored in the barn - big mistake
That Lady gave it to the right person! Exquisite job, thanks for sharing.
She did! You're welcome!
To think of how many Chippendale mirrors, simply due to their fragile nature have gone the way of the trash heap. Not this one. It may be a 20th century reproduction, only now it's a masterly rejuvenated and cleverly reinforced heirloom piece! Thank you for sharing your wealth of experience!
You're welcome! Well said!
I love how you reinforced the back of the top and bottom and even the sides to give them something to hold on to. I love this beautiful little mirror. A great salvage job. You have immense talent, Tom. Thanks for showing us this wonderful project.
You're very welcome! It's funny, I love the back!
On the scale of elaborate mirror frames this Chippendale style falls on the unpretentious end. That must be why the before/after contrast blew me away. Because the skill is so evident on your channel the craftsmanship can no longer surprise, only its results!
Thank you! Yes, unpretentious, I like that. That gives it it's appeal
You did a wonderful reconstruction of that little gem,Tom.
Thank you!
Dear Mr. JOHNSON
Super fan here. I am an antique dealer from New Mexico and have loved your repair videos for several years now. I have learned a lot thanks to you.😊
You're welcome! I appreciate that
Brilliant work Tom, as ever! Thank you for yet another fascinating display of your meticulous and inspiring restorative craftsmanship. 👏 👏 👏
You're so welcome!
I glad you saved that beautiful piece and I’m sure the diligent person that saved all the broken pieces is too.😊
Yes! I forgot to thank someone for that!
What an amazing result. At the start, it seemed like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, with all of those pieces. Some expert work with all those clamps.
Thank you!
Every single video I learn something new, a new way to clamp or approach a project. Beautiful work sir.
Thank you very much! I also learn something making these videos!
Just lovely. Thanks for caring so much for this old and wonderful pieces.
You're very welcome!
Another piece saved by Thomas!
Yay! Thanks!
The sole purpose of this video was to show off your clamps collection... As always, top work. Thanks for sharing your skills :)
Thanks! All of them are to show clamping! I love it
When you first opened that bag of broken bits and pieces, Tom, I could even begin to imagine how you would go about putting that mirror back together, but once again, you outdid yourself. Amazing.
I was thinking the same thing! Thanks!
It's probably been said before. You're the Bob Ross of Furniture Restoration ! Love learning from you.
Thank you! People often say that! Quite a compliment
Tom Johnson, Antique Furniture Restoration and Jigsaw-Puzzle Solving.
It came out well!
That's what I was thinking too - I'm watching Tom solve a jigsaw puzzle! Lovely end result and that old finish needed to go so that you can see that it's mahogany, and with different directions of the wood grain.
Thanks! Oddly, I have no patience for jigsaw puzzles! I actively don't like them
Thanks! It was nice seeing that wood come to life
The 30 cents box of pumice! Awesome Tom!
Thanks Len! I'm glad you liked that!
Nice work!
Putting all those fragments back together was, indeed, like working a jigsaw puzzle.
Thanks! It is!
I say to myself, "I'll just see what this video is about before I do some chores." Nope, got to watch the whole thing now, chores can wait! Love your channel Mr. Tom! 😁
I love that! Thanks
Wow, I was so excited watching you restore that mirror. I think it was the puzzle putting it back together that did it. But of course you are wonderful in what you do. Thank you for putting your work on TH-cam.
You're so welcome!
One 30¢ box of Pumice over 45 years - amortize that!
Getting to look over your shoulder is one of the great treasures of the web.
Thank you.
You're welcome! That's nice
Hi Tom, great to see another wonderful restoration video from you. I'm sat watching you on the eve of my 60th birthday just relaxing. I've watched a couple of them tonight and now I'm watching the clock case being taken care of by you. Hope you and your wife are well. Best wishes as always. Kate. X😊
Happy birthday 🎉. Yorkshire, a beautiful county, it was close enough to visit regularly when I lived in the UK.
@@dianeandorchidsatvictorharbor thank you so much, Yorkshire is gorgeous. Xx I love orchids too. X
@@YorkshireLassCrochets I'm a bit obsessed with orchids, I have about 150 of them! Mostly grown outside under the verandah. Have to admit to having about 50 inside, but they are small and fit on a table.
@@dianeandorchidsatvictorharbor wow they must look gorgeous. I've about 6 so well behind you. I want to try growing mine in moss on a piece of wood...mine always regrow their flowers if I leave them.on one certain window sil..x
@@YorkshireLassCrochets With most of mine being young plants I don't get all 150 to blooms yet but some are getting old enough to flower. I have a Cattleya on cork bark in bloom at the moment called Cattleya Dal's Tradition, you should be able to Google the name and see a photo. I really should get into putting more videos up on YT. I did a few but then my hip got really bad and I don't move around as easily now. The one in my ID photo is one of my Dendrobiums.
Kind sir you are truly an inspiration. I use your uploads for your techniques when I’m doing repairs on my own.
So there is no truth to the saying, that you can’t teach an old horse new tricks.
Thanks! Exactly! I learn something new everyday! I learn a lot making these videos
I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Today’s lesson was taking the pad off the clamp for odd shapes.
Thanks! I always learn something making these videos!
Another restoration masterpiece. Your patience and skill are a shining example to all. You are an excellent teacher who loves to share his encyclopaedic knowledge with the world. Thank you.
You're very welcome!
Tom's gluing skills are PHD level. A lot of clamps don't hurt either.
Thanks!
That was a real jigsaw puzzle. The final piece was truly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your expertise, Tom.
You're welcome!
When you said you were going to strip the finish, I let out a little "Yay!". It looked like it had been painted with brown fence paint. The final result was beautiful as always. Thanks for what you do, Tom.
You're welcome! Yes, this one needed to be stripped!
The mirror is just beautiful. I find it hard to believe that the mirror, even if it was broken, would be left behind. I am glad you took the time to fix it.
Thanks! I suspect there are a lot of pieces going to the dump that we would cry about!
I'm so glad that you took that mirror because she most likely would have thrown it in a way. It turned out more than pretty good. It turned out beautiful. I always look forward to your videos.
Thanks! Yes, I'm happy too. It was headed for the dump
Great job! You have turned a sows ear into a silk purse.
Thanks!
Another fabulous restoration Tom. So relaxing to watch too. Greetings from Olde England.
Thank you! Greetings from "Old" New England!
So much great information here. Like the idea of adding pumice too the Howard’s. Thanks Tom!
You're welcome! It takes just the tiniest bit of pumice to do the job
I never get tired of watching your work. The consummate craftsman, well done
Thank you!
I have to be honest, I would have said this piece is too far gone and not worth the time. Thank you for proving me wrong. Excellent work as always. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome! I was thinking the same thing!
It's amazing how you put all of the frame pieces back together and strengthened them. It appears this is a very delicate piece. ❤
Thanks! It will be OK as long as it stays on the wall!
Some of your clamping configurations look like abstract art. I love it!!!!
Abstract Industrial
Thanks Gregory! I like that! I do get into it, trying to make it all symmetrical and looking good. I really like "abstract industrial" Think of "Modern Times" with Charlie Chaplin (great movie by the way, very applicable to today!)
I can't fathom the short sightedness of some craftsmen .Such a fiddly , overly fancy, I'd imagine incredibly time consuming to fret saw out, and no thought of reinforcement .I've been a stained glass artist for nearly 30 years, and see such pieces all the time. Incredibly intricate pieces, with zero practicality.
Excellent repair work Tom.Those reinforcing pieces should have been there from the start.
Thanks! It is a mystery, maybe so focused on getting it done that the future is not considered
I'm not a fan of this style of furniture, however I was fascinated by the amount of work that went into restoring the piece to the final level. Great video thumbs up. Great Tuxedo Tabby.
Thanks! He's one of our barn cats, Orion
Thomas: it looks fantastic! What a sweet Chippendale mirror. And it certainly looks handcrafted. The person who crafted it has a big smile on their face thanks to you. Carol from California
Thanks Carol! I'd like to think that too!
I love the rescue videos, thanks.
Me too!
WOW Tom, you did it again ! When I first saw that mirror I thought it was hideous. Now you have worked your magic on it, it's GORGEOUS ! I have no other words Tom ! Thanks for sharing your skills. Take care 🙂
You're welcome! It did look bad
Once again, proof there is no such thing as too many clamps. Nice work putting a jigsaw puzzle of broken wood back together, lucky all the pieces were still there, and the grain of the wood was a lovely surprise as well. :)
Thanks! I was very happy to have all the pieces!
This is another exceptional restoration, Thomas. Well done (as always), Sir! 👏
Thanks!
Such meticulous attention to detail, great job sir! A pleasure to watch.
Thank you!
All the years I've watched your videos I never spotted that staircase!
Well that was another extraordinary transformation Tom, a real silk purse came from the sow's ear that's for sure. Beautiful job.👍
Thanks! Yes, it's not noticeable
Saved another one! I enjoy all your videos but my favourites are the 'junk to beautiful ' ones! Thanks for uploading, hope you and yours are well. John, Ireland.
Thanks John! We are well and I hope you are too! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Doesn't this just make your heart feel happy? It does mine.
Absolutely! And so much fun to share
This is one of my new favorite videos. The story behind the mirror in a bag was really neat but watching you perform the Thomas Johnson magic on it was fascinating.👍👍
Thanks!
You can never have too many clamps ! You are a pleasure to watch and learn from Thank you.
You're so welcome!
Greetings from the BIG SKY. Clamps and clamping together is a true art in itself, I think.
Thanks! Yes, I believe that's true
Thanks for the video Tom. The looking glass turned out beautifully. Take care and God bless.
You're welcome Ron!
You made that little beauty shine again.
Yes! Thanks!
I think you just said an all-time record for the number of clamps used. Way to go.
Thanks! You've been watching my videos and there are a lot of times I use more than this!
Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I find watching your videos to be somewhat of meditative practice.
Wishing you all the best as you move into and enjoy retirement.
Thank you! "Retirement"is an interesting journey
Hey Tom! Another FANTASIC rescue! I have two "antiques in a bag" stories for you in your email.
Thanks Doug! Yes, you did a great job!
A Silk Purse from a Sow's Ear, what a transformation Tom, there is no substitute for spending years learning your craft, time well spent.
Thank you!
A few years ago I bought a late 18 th century French 'marriage' mirror from a dealer friend who had bought it and dropped it and it's elaborate gilt wood top was in 20 pieces. The decoration was backed in places with small pieces of mirror that was partially foxed and the main mirror was also a little foxed which I don't mind. It lay like yours in a box until one day I decided to repair it. On a difficult back join I had to use an epoxy putty as I couldn't get it to stay up otherwise without drilling into the frame. Some of the small mirror backings were missing so I took some thin plexi and some 'mirror spray' and mirrored and foxed it then cut out the pieces to insert. My friend was a bit green when he saw it and I could tell that he slightly regretted selling it to me ! Six months ago I bought another one at auction, slightly earlier I think and also broken intricate pediment in gilt wood. I have some of the pieces but not all but it's going to be fun to do EXCEPT I am moving house from an 8 bedroom huge house with masses of space and outbuildings into a two bedroom house in town. The draw was the huge garage and a workshop and small barn with huge attic where I can give into restoration and creation but meanwhile what a nightmare! I have to get rid of 75% of my furniture !
Wow! That is difficult. I am in the process of emptying my barn, hence the videos on trashed pieces I have picked up over the past 50 years (!) Unfortunately a lot of stuff will go to the dump. We've been trying to get rid of all our stuff in anticipation of someday moving into an apartment, and now our daughter has announced she'sw mving back to Maine so we can stay in our house. Now it's going to be harder to get rid of stuff. Good luck!
As always an incredible restoration. And completing a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box was quite impressive
Thanks! Have you ever done one without looking at the picture?
No. I have a hard enough time with the picture. 😅
Mr. Johnson once again you are the master sir. Beautiful job well done, what a treasure
Thank you kindly!
In addition to the joy of being able to share in Tom's wonderful restoration skills, the quality of film making allows me to really feel as though I were there in the workshop. Just superb!
Thank you! We try hard!
What a beautiful restoration Tom. A real stunning piece now.
Made my day when you went to polish it and the newspaper underneath an article about Rhode Island, my home state.
Your a true craftsman.
Thank you! Rhode Island is an interesting little state!
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration👍👍👍
That's me! Thanks!