Who DID This!? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 1 вер 2022
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores a handsome pair of antique Sussex Chairs that have undergone a questionable customization. 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 think they look pretty good." A major understatement by a master furniture restorer. Well done sir...well done.
Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️your videos...no music, just craftsmanship, talent and educational. Absolute perfection. Thank you for preserving and staying true to the original craftsmanship of these beautiful chairs.
You're welcome!
Agreed. Music is totally unnecessary with many videos.
Not only is Thomas an artist at restoration, he has an artist’s eye for tint and color as he matches the new wood with the old. He is amazing!
Thank you! That’s nice
I love your definition of 'living dangerously'🤣🤣
Always! Thanks!
Tom, every one of these videos is a master class to show the proper way to restore antiques and what mistakes to avoid. Thanks for sharing the expertise you have accumulated over your lifetime!
You're welcome! I appreciate it
I don't think I have seen a chair with so many parts. And artfully restored. Thanks again for the education.
You're welcome! Yes, I'm glad I marked them!
UA-cam sent me here no idea why but I was engrossed from start to finish, what a great craftsman, lovely work, we need to keep these skills alive. cheers.
Thank you!
Lovely subtle job there Tom, I love the fact that you don't over-restore, you really respect the use the chairs have had. In fact it was edge of the seat stuff watching you get those back together. Thank you, I'll see myself out.😁😂👍
You're welcome! I like that "see myself out..."
I think they look great! I learned about fixing and not stripping away the patina.
Thanks! Yes, I rarely will strip anything
The maestro has finished these pieces. They look & sound as though they were just built, a 100 years ago. Bravo!!!
Thank you!
Beautiful, delicate chairs. My favourites of all the chairs you’ve repaired.
Designed by Phillip Webb in 1860 & manufactured by the brilliant & one of England's finest designers William Morris. Pure Arts & Crafts
Thanks! I would love to have one of these!
Thanks! Good info
Your care and patience for these treasures is something I really appreciate. And the camera work continues to improve.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
Every Sussex chair I've seen always have major problems fairly early in their life. You did a wonderful job with lasting results, but I still think the design is not meant for high use. Oh, and I have NO idea how you managed to get those chair feet to work so beautifully!
They were designed for elves, who could walk atop snowdrifts, and NEVER leaned back in their chairs.
@@johnsrabe As long as one doesn't toss a dwarf on it, I suppose...
@@dlevi67 Of all the liberties Peter Jackson took, that one may be the one I liked best. “But don’t tell the elf!”
@@johnsrabe I definitely would not - especially if the chair broke!
Repair of the feet would be a craftsman's candy. Meaning a fun little challenge. Often people judge a problem like the caster damage as the end of the life of the chair, This is the difference between a craftsman and a novice. Think general practitioners versus a specialist when it comes to doctors.
I think the original designer was more focused on expressing his skills in an artful way over a durable chair. Many of the most long lasting chairs tend to be hated by users due to their weight and clunky looks. There is a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
This design; to me, has a mix of cultural styles. I would guess the chair is a self expression of its designer / builder as its repairer. These are the reasons people love things that other people invest time into versus automatic manufactured stuff. Take wood carving. There are carvings done completely by hand and there are carvings done completely by machines. Which do you prefer? The one with a soul or the one without?
Fortuanately the school of glue sculpting in the furniture repair movement was short lived. Occasionally one does run across a few adherents. 😊 Another masterful job Tom. I especially like your approach to repairing where the casters had been used. As usual, you are a master at coloring and hiding in plain sight new wood repairs. Thanks for another wonderful video and more education in the art of repair and restoration.
The problem is the long-term adherents.
Thanks! I like that - "glue sculpting"
They're still out there!
They are stunning - and now I know how to freshen the wood on some rush seated chairs I have without refinishing! But I'll cover the seats with plastic sheeting, lest I spill/smear colored wax on them.
Thanks! Good idea!
As someone who has re-rushed a seat or two, cutting the old one off is one of the most satisfying things ever.
Thanks! They always fight coming out though!
Watching this magnificent restoration, I thought it would be really interesting for you to do a video on your history. That is starting with what inspired you to start carpentry and restoration of furniture. I know from my point of view, I wish I had done that with my father. I only have very scant information about my father and I wish I’d done something that I and my children and grandchildren could look back on. You have a great show that has inspired others and I think it would be a real privilege to know your history. Maybe that’s too far but I know it would be interesting. About others I don’t know, but I watch it! 🇦🇺👍🏻😁
Second that - and there's quite a bit of material 'already there' in some videos, including the workshop tours.
He has shared his history in previous videos. I believe he grew up in Boston. His father either made or repaired furniture (or both). He and his brother worked along with their father. His brother took over their father’s shop, and Tom opened his own shop. I believe Tom’s daughter makes custom furniture somewhere on the west coast. You can go through his videos to verify what I am recalling, and learn more.
Thanks Michael! We'll have to work on that. The problem is the "visuals". We'd have to do a lot of digging and pre-production to make a good video. It can't just be me talking...
Yes, we'll have to do that
Thanks Janet! Close - but I grew up in Takoma Park Maryland, and my Dad's shop was in Silver Spring. We were right on the "District Line" in Washington DC
Those really are beautiful. One of the things I appreciate your channel is being able to see how furniture was constructed. I learn every time you dissect a piece of furniture. Thank you for the education.
You are so welcome!
You perform miracles with these old pieces. Thanks for another great video with no fluff!!!!!
You're welcome!
I thoroughly enjoy watching you work. I’m a retired Surgical Technologist and even though worlds apart, I appreciate the value of the right instruments and techniques for the job.
Thanks Charlene! When I had an orthopedic surgery on my broken ankle I could see that they were repairing it exactly the same way you would repair a broken piece of wood!
Another great restoration tutorial Tom. as always. and as always I came away learning something new. My wife does Caning and Rush work also. kudos to your Caning person did a nice job on those chairs. Glad to see your helper is still doing fine. little grey'r in the beard tho! But she's still with us! thanks again. God speed. ECF
Thanks! Yes, we're all getting older!
Watching you work on antique furniture is a enhancement to my History of Furniture class from college. Beautiful results!
Thanks! I would like to take that course...
I must say, your videos are utmost helpful to me. I am the son of a cabinet maker. My dad is 98 this year. While I never followed in my dad’s foot steps, this is what I plan to do when I retire in ten years. I am learning a lot from your videos. So thank you very much!
Thanks! That's great! I hope your dad hung on to his tools, it would be great if you could use them.
Interesting chairs. So many parts, seems they were made for the long haul! Thanks Tom.
Yes they are! Thanks!
Young man you amaze me with the outmost amount of meticulous attention, precision and respect you treat each peace of furniture that glides through your shop. All leave your shop with its original glory ready to to be admired and used accordingly. The old is new again. It’s unfortunate there’s no such shop for my old body of mine. No I’ve done my time and enjoy the old craftsmanship unsurpassed by the “tech” way . Thank goodness for your channel showing your finest work.
Thank you! Well said! I appreciate it
Hey Tom another great video! One tip I picked up… to determine if someone has buried a nail in a mortise/tenon.. I use a nickel-sized rare earth magnet. It’ll pop onto the joint letting you know there’s steel or iron in there
Thanks! I'll try that! How do you then get it out?
@@johnsonrestoration Living on the ocean seems to get rid of all the nails around here. Seriously, though, I would be tempted to drill it out, at least to the point of weakening, with a cobalt bit. Keeping it all steady and not just boring out the wood around the nail would be a challenge. I have had to drill out nails and screws with broken heads before and it has worked well sometimes.
Nicely done! I have become addicted to the use of strong neodymium magnets to find nails where they shouldn't be, but I still get surprised by brass once in a while.
Thanks! Yes, good point about the brass
Now, I would happily give house room to these smart chairs! Your craftsmen's touch has given them a new lease of life.
Thanks!
Se o Mestre Thomas Johnson morasse no Brasil, eu me candidataria a ser seu ajudante. Fico contente em ver que o seu fiel amigo está bem e sempre fazendo companhia. Grande abraço !
Obrigada! (abraço entregue)
So beautifully done. I always get the impression that the decisions on how to intervene and when not to intervene are straightforward and simple. But then I remember this is only the result of years long, vast experience and skill. Thank you again, for another "lesson" in craftsmanship and taste. I think they look pretty good too!
Thanks! My philosophy is to keep everything as original as possible
I’m always amazed by what glue can do. I never would have known that re- gluing chairs is better than putting in nails where joints are loose! As a home manager this has changed how I do things!
Thanks! Yes, nails can hold a building together but not furniture!
I has been a very long and hard day and I find very soothing and uplifting watching you quietly and unassumingly getting on with your art. Thank you Tom in so many ways.
You're welcome! I'm so glad that I could help you in this small way!
Thanks Thomas, I did antique furniture work for the public many years and find you videos very entertaining. I retired years ago and wish I had them to view before the internet and UA-cam. You have amazing family similarities to me which after the shock makes me watch more. I think your veneer work much better than mine was.
Thanks! I like the fact that we shared some of the same techniques. It's amazing how good you can be when you have a high def camera pointing straight at you hands and you know there will be thousands of people critiquing!
My grandfather George Lorenz was a master carpenter, contractors still remember him in this area. I keep thinking he'd love videos like these. Died in 1969.
Really a great job Thom! Its been a long summer, with something missing....your videos! Welcome back. 👍
Thanks! But I put out quite a few this summer - maybe you missed them?
Nicely done, I am impressed that they sit flat on the floor and don't wobble. Thanks for showing us
Thanks! A rare event indeed!
You just made those Chairs SO happy! Thank you for sharing your amazing Skills -
You're welcome!
Brilliant as always!
Thank you!
Great video Mr. Johnson, I learned something today I love how you worked on the feet of the chairs that is an awesome technique I will keep that thought in a little box in the back of my mind❤
Thanks! We all have stacks of those boxes in our minds - it's getting harder to find the right box these days!
Another one for the save file. Thank you for sharing all your amazing knowledge and skills. Can’t wait for the next video!
You're welcome!
As always, a great job. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I learn something new (to me) each time. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome! I learn something new each time also!
Wonderful video Tom. Not sure about other viewers, but I did feel the tension when you applied the reverse clamp - phew!
Oh aye. the old "just one more squeeze and I'm there" anxiety.
@@gav2759 Cracks you up.
(As long as it doesn't do the same to the wood, we are fine.)
Thanks! I know - I was worried!
It is stressful!
Exactly
I've still got my Dad's Craftsman drill press. I'm 74 and I have never known not to have this press in his work shop. All cast iron and steel. No plastic at all. Most people have no idea about how much skill and time it takes to do a job like this. That is why Dad always said that most people wouldn't want to pay for his work. They jut try to fix the chair like the last person did and come up with all of the glue just around the outsides of the joints. Fixed for a very short time but ugly as hell... dad taught me that it was good to make wood filler with hide glue and sanding dust. Have been doing that for years. have you used the new Torx head screws?? I really like them now. I wouldn't try to cut 1/8 inch off of the legs as people are taller today than they were when these were made. No one will know.. I see you have smashed a finger and the nail is black. I also love the dog... She is getting older??
Yes, David, the dog is getting older...we all are! ...but she is a sweety isn't she?
@@marylinsmith4290 I have found that most times the older dogs are the best ones. Remember that Dog is God spelled backwards...
Thanks David! One of the great things about these videos is that people can now see what goes into it. I like the Torx too - I use them for work on the barn etc. Ella's 12 1/2 now!
Yes, we all are, but why do our dogs have to age so fast? She's my girl...
I like that!
Your videos are among the best! Love them. Inspiring, educational and a joy to watch. Keep it up sir!
Thank you! I will!
Good Morning Mr. Johnson - thank you for the video and knowledge!
Very welcome!
Never heard of a "Sussex chair", maybe because we just call them chairs, here in Sussex.
Sussex Trugs, I've heard of those, and have one.
It was a "brand"/name used by Morris & Co. as the original design idea came from a chair found by George Taylor (the Morris & Co. business manager) in Sussex.
@@dlevi67
You are right.
It is quite literally Morris & Co "Sussex Chair" .
ie: the name of the design, rather than it being a Chair from Sussex.
I've seen plenty of chairs with Raffia seats, but none like this one.
@@kevinshort3943 ....aaand I got it wrong. The chair found by Warington Taylor (who is sometimes attributed the name "George", but was actually called Alphonse Warington) is what is now known as the "Morris Chair" - a kind of comfy recliner with a stuffed seat and back. The chair inspiring the 'Sussex' range was allegedly found (still in Sussex!) by Ford Madox-Brown, an early partner of Morris & Co.
Sorry!
Thanks! I didn't know, but I trust dlevi 67's answer
Thanks! Interesting - I didn't know that
Absolutely LOVE your work Thomas!
Thank you!
I learn something new each time you post one of your videos! Thank you very much!
You're welcome! I do too!
Another easy watching video. I find watching you at work so relaxing. Your skills at what you do is fantastic.
Thanks!
I really enjoy your work. The beauty of UA-cam is that most of us would never have access to this kind of expertise without it. What you're doing now will educate others long after you and I are gone. What a gift of the world you're able to present. I spent a career in information technology before I retired a couple of years ago. I'm reasonably sure that none of my work exists anymore. Tech turns over and over again and makes everything obsolete so fast. I really wish that I was able to build up a talent such as this to share with the world.
Thank you! That's so nice. And yes, although that was not my intent when I started making videos, I appreciate what you're saying, and am happy that maybe I will be leaving something worthwhile when I'm gone. We so quickly forget the people who came before us.
Every time I watch you repair and restore a piece of antique furniture, I am amazed! You do such awesome and caring work on them! I swear if I ever need to have a piece restored, I will bring it to you! Beautiful job!!
Thank you!
Another fine example of your artistry! I love these chairs.
Thanks! me too!
Great job Tom. Beautiful antiques!
Many thanks!
Beautiful work and well explained again. Those chairs are so beautiful ...top job again!!
Thanks! They are beautiful! Those arms...
You are always showing us new techniques Tom, bravo!
Thanks!
Always good to find one of your videos in my post Tom. You made a wonderful job of those fine chairs which will allow them to last another Century, so preserving the remaining pieces of what was once a full set of diners and carvers. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome!
I love to watch you work. Thank you for posting.
You’re welcome!
Thank you for another entertaining and informative video. Even more thanks for giving the history and data on these chairs - I have one of these - a single side chair, that I have on occasion considered disposing of. No longer!
Thanks! I'll take it!
Those little foot caps were awesome. I would never have thought of that. Excellent job again. they look great!
Thanks! I liked them too!
Oh what a lovely chair! Makes my heart happy to see it refreshed to its former glory.
Thanks! I like the word "refreshed"
They came out great. Awesome. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome!
That was another master class mr Johnson! The repair of the damaged legs was an absolute treat to watch. 😁🇳🇱
Thank you!
Pretty good is an understatement. ❤ Your love for what you do shows in your work
Thank you!
I love your work!! It is hypnotic to watch the evolution of the reparation until the end. Thanks
Greetings from Spain
Thanks! And Hello to Spain!
I love the way you preserved the age of the chairs without sacrificing the integrity.
Thank you! That's my goal - not always easy to achieve!
Another masterful restoration,thoroughly enjoyed watching it👍👍
Thanks!
Beautiful job, Tom! Excellent work! 👍😀
Thank you!
Your solution for the cup casters was inspired. So simple but so effective.. Great work as usual.
Thanks! It seemed to work!
Another great video, Tom. They are beautiful chairs. Your work is such a joy to watch. Also, always nice to see the rhino mug.
I'm going to email you an update on all my broken furniture here in Kenya.
Blessings!
Thanks Chip! I'll look forward to it
Sir, you are an artist indeed. I love the way you have renewed these chairs while preserving the patina and wear. Beautiful work! True conservancy!
Thank you!
After watching you for a few years now, you still amaze me with your knowledge and craftsmanship... keep it up..
Thanks!
I still love how you preserve as much original wood as possible still excites me to this day
Thank you! I figure you can never go wrong saving as much as possible
Another fascinating and information packed video, thanks so much Tom! I really appreciated seeing the construction of the sleeves for the chair feet and how to deal with tricky re-assembly issues. The results were beautiful. This would be the first time I have seen you use a screw across a break! It was useful to see just how bad a situation has to be before you use one.
Thanks! Yes, I don't do that too often
Great job Thomas ,I loved the conicle sleeves for the leg repairs.
Thanks! Me too! Because they actually worked
Another excellent example of true craftsmanship!
Thanks!
Thomas, I got a good chuckle with your framed dog. He was so perfect! You certainly are a Master! Thanks for sharing. I have these same repairs needed on a couple of frames but no jig saw.
Thanks! You can get a coping saw to use by hand very inexpensively home.howstuffworks.com/coping-saw.htm
the caster damage repair was so interesting. I have one chair that I am restoring and have a similar problem on my legs. Thanks to you, I have a new game plan to attempt. Thanks Thomas
You're welcome! This worked out really well. I was determined not to cut away any more of the legs.
"I think they look pretty good." What an understatement? I really enjoy watching these videos and wonder at his patience and mastery. Amazing!
Thank you very much!
Such an eye for just what these old chairs needed! Nice work
Thanks!
Thank you Tom, another great video, glad you mentioned the oak arms and back, thought for a moment there one of us was going bonkers!! Cheers, hope you and yours are all well, keep 'em coming buddy.
Thanks! I wouldn't assume that we are not going bonkers!
It's not often I see one of your restored pieces suitable for our personal use but these two chairs are so darn beautiful we'd take them in a heartbeat. Their dimensions and symmetry are so perfect that the chairs would blend in anywhere. They also look to be comfortable to sit on. And, of course, your skills bring it all together. This was an easy video to watch. Thank you.
You're welcome! Same here - I want one of those!
Thanks for preserving the story. Your seriousness and commitment are an example.
I appreciate that! Thanks!
Wish I had seen your wonderful informative video before refinishing and fixing my rickety old bent wood thrifted chair. It's always a treat watching a master craftsman work and those chairs turned out beautiful!
Thanks! Well, some things just need to be refinished!
Thrift finds abused, terribly altered and deemed headed for the landfill, I will rescue. Less is more when possible and your videos are a wonderful learning tool, thank-you for sharing your expertise.@@johnsonrestoration
DITTO to all the positively glowing comments! They are beautiful chairs! So delicate and graceful. As ever your work was mesmerizing. and my new hobby.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for translating the units, it is really helpful.
You’re welcome! I’m trying to learn!
The beauty of your work, old man, makes me wanna cry compared to the emptiness of my actual job. Thank you.
You're welcome! You need a new job!
I really love these chairs! The delicate arms and assembly make them look very unique. With the new straw seats and all the work that you've done to repair them, they are pretty amazing! I particularly liked what you did on the bottom of the legs! They came out looking aces!
Thanks! I really like these too - I was unfamiliar with this chair until now - I want one!
I was thinking the same thing! I love the delicate tapered arms and chair backing assembly! A most unique looking chair that feels very "old world," if you know what I mean? It's a very clever construction!@@johnsonrestoration
Once again, persistence and experience tell the tale!👍
Thank you!
A beautiful job as always. You brought new life to some weary chairs. Good for another 200 years I suspect. Thanks for taking time to give us another great video and tool for doing our home projects.
You're welcome!
Great work Tom, nailed it!
Thanks!
Good, thoughtful work -- a lot to be learned watching you.
Thank you!
Thanks Tom, really enjoyed watching(as always)...rr Normandy, France
You're welcome!
I love these chairs. Great video. Finished job is better then pretty good.
Thank you! I really like them too!
Love your work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
You're welcome!
I didn't think the foot 18:00 was going to work without Epoxy, but it did. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Another lesson learned.
Thanks! Yes,it did work, thank goodness!
Beautiful, as always. You are truly a master craftsman. Love your videos.
Thanks!
Another great fix Tom 👏👏👍
Thanks!
Tom, that was a really ingenious solution for the chair with the casters. They came out great. I never would have thought of that, but now, it is stored in some dark recess in my brain to use if I ever come upon such a problem. We had a chair like that next to the telephone table in our house. It looks exactly like it. No casters.
Thanks! Yes, but those files are getting harder and harder to find!
I really enjoy you and the work you do and show to all so many people are reluctant to share their knowledge Thank you
You're welcome! I've always believed in sharing and it's always resulted in more work coming in
Very impressed with how you repaired the chair legs. Seems I always learn something with each of your videos.
Thanks! Me too!
Very nice chairs. I live in Sussex, and actually own one of these too! A first-class refurbishment.
Thanks! That is so cool! Find one for me will you? An arm chair...
@@johnsonrestoration Ha! I think most of them are probably already over there tbh, Tom.