Rescued from the Rainy Roadside
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- Опубліковано 15 лют 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine fully restores this 19th century antique chest of drawers that had been left by the side of the road in the rain. 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 wonder - doesn’t everyone in Gorham, Maine know that if they leave a 19 Century chest of drawers out in the rain, Tom Johnson will make it whole again? Another wonderful video. Thank you!
Legend has it that if you leave an old chair out in the rain on the night of a full moon, a sorcerer will come by and enchant it!
They must have figured that out by now!
Yes, so true!
can you imagine the person thst threw this out ? they are probably kicking themselves
@@johnsonrestoration But what is the estimated value of the item ? G'day from Australia
After 1,363 comments written before me, I don't expect mine to be read by you, but, I feel compelled to say, how honored I am to be a witness of the amazing work of a true artist of furniture making. Thank you so much for sharing the detailed process of your meticulous craft. The best for you always sir. Cheers
I read it and I agree!
He will probably reply.
Thank you Carrie! Yes, I'm reading it and I appreciate it so much!
Yes! Thanks
Probably! Thanks!
The fact that you kept it out of a landfill and saved a piece of history makes it invaluable.
I agree! Thanks!
Australia salutes you again for a fabulous restoration. Well done, Tom!
Thank you! Cheers to Australia!
Probably my favorite restoration to date! No client, just done out of pure love for furniture and craft. Perfection!
Yes! Thanks!
Just a wow..
A customer was watching me fix veneer on a similar piece recently, and asked me who taught me to do it. I said, "Thomas Johnson, of course". I totally meant it, you influence a lot of my restorations and I am very grateful. Thanks Tom.
Wow, you are so welcome. I consider it high praise coming from a fellow tradesperson!
I just have to comment that this has to be the luckiest piece of furniture on Earth. To be found wasting in rain and then picked up by Mr. Johnson, completely repaired and placed in a beautiful home. As a retired nurse...this is like being far away from home, needing an emergency surgery...luckily the best surgeon in the country is visiting his niece who admitted you. He finds you, fixes your issues and restores you to return home to loved ones. This was a great video!
Thanks! Yes, it is amazing. I hate to think of all the pieces that aren't saved in time
UA-cam has so much ..... garbage, but Tom Johnson never disappoint. Insightful and quality every single time.
Thank you! That's very nice!
I heartily agree with that statement!!
he is quiet soft spoken lets his work shine thru..and boy does it ever
Ruined? RUINED???!!! It's an inspiration.
You've saved it from landfill, tidied it from the roadside, recycled it into a useable piece of furniture, employed traditional and modern methods of work, used traditional and modern materials, utilised products from small companies who are trying to stay alive in the face of corporate giants, gained the satisfaction of what you've achieved, and helped to instruct and inspire the rest of us. So, it's far from ruined.
Oh, and thanks for not covering it with chalk paint.
Well the book says they are rubbish, and the last owner thought it firewood.
But now it's got a new lease of life. And some real quirks that will delight a future furniture historian.
Amen!!
Yeah, no chalk paint. Everyone knows that the way to go with antiques is to lacquer them in white with Titan paints.
Some people are clueless as to the value of what they have. Others, simply don't care. Although usually is more the former.
Thank you! That is so beautifully said! I really appreciate it!
I swear, wood turning is a form of magic. Watching you turn those legs was amazing.
Wow, thank you! I love turning
@@johnsonrestoration I've always wanted to try it. From watching and looking at the finished turns, it seems to take a gentle touch, an artist's eye, and a mathematician's precision. Then you have to duplicate all of that. I'm thinking that must be the hard part - the duplication.
Yes. You, Tom are an artist in so many ways, but your turnings are sure one of them.
Mesmerizing indeed.
My late father used to repair and renovate old grandfather clocks. He would staple a typewritten card at the back detailing his work, with some background, and the date. Why not do the same? In another 200 years the chest of drawers will be worth a fortune! Best wishes from London UK.
Thanks! Yes, I know I should. I don't have an explanation for why I haven't been doing that!
That’s a great idea!
My father used to make reproduction grandfather clocks from old ornate worn out pianos and new mechanisms.
@@hj179 We had a quote last year for the grandfather clocks my sister and I inherited. They are worth very little these days in the UK - a typical Victorian one is worth maybe £150 in London, or $190.😒
Definitely worthwhile A simple act like that is golden for a future historian. Let’s hope that this piece lives on in the custody of someone else who appreciates it.
Those shots where he shows the materials and supplies used: priceless. So many repairs will be enabled by Tom's educational efforts. Yes he himself will fix many great things, but the rest of us will fix 100's times more furniture via his methods.
Thank you! That's something to think about!
Mr Johnson, it's amazing to watch you transform furniture! You're definitely the master! I'm so glad you rescued this chest! Beautiful, stunning job 😊❤
Ditto.
Thanks!
I think it looks pretty amazing!
It's an amazing result, and you make it look so easy... Which only proves your level of expertise. Too much of this furniture is ending up in landfills.
This lovely elderly lady has been on quite a journey. Beautiful restoration. Wouldn't the original craftsman who cut those dovetails, be justifiably proud of how they stood up to time, use and weather. It's been beautifully restored so following generations can appreciate craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing with us.
You're welcome! I always think about the people who built it
The drawers have outlasted its maker and continues its journey into the future, thanks to Tom's intervention. Good work!
Thank you!
Just goes to show you, you can't have too many clamps. Beautiful Restoration Thomas.
You can't! Thanks!
No kidding 😅
Thomas you are too humble. You took a ragged thrown out piece of history and gave her a new life! Honestly, I love you for what you did. Those people that want to complain have no beauty in their own lives and go around making others miserable just so they have company.
Thomas, you did an absolutely amazing job on this chest of drawers. The veneer work on the drawer fronts turned out beautifully. Nice of you to save this piece from the trash heap.
So true! I like that! Thanks
Thanks!
i like him because he is humble ;)
All I can say is that’s amazing. Please do more of these projects!
Only a master furniture restorer and historian could recognize the actual value of the hopeless pile of trash left by the side of the road and then bring it back to its former glory. Beauty from ashes. Nicely done.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Ive been watching you for several years now. Haven’t done any woodwork yet. But you and your gentle way with your gentle voice and animals have given me so much peace through many family tragedies in the past several years. I thank you so much. Just one thing … I need a tee shirt that says ‘I think that looks pretty good’. God Bless you Thomas Johnson.
Thank you! That is very gratifying to me. I've never gotten into the T-Shirt thing!
I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, but geezum this is so interesting and calming…almost zen.
Quite correct. And it's because master Tom has unlimited patience and, more importantly, the utmost respect for every piece of furniture he touches.
Good comment@@panos3051
Thanks! I try not to talk
Thank you! I do! I don't know why, thanks to my parents?
Was that a shop cat I saw? Just visiting or a temporary shelter from the cold?
Another great video sharing your knowledge and skill. Very enjoyable!
Beautiful job Mr Johnson.
Thank you!
Mr Johnson U are a blessing to so many people. Truly love Ur work.
Thank you Sherry!
A work of "ART". Thanks for saving a piece of the past.
You're welcome!
Thank you for making these videos. I thoroughly enjoy watching them.
You're welcome! I appreciate you watching!
Furniture snobs may turn up their noses if they wish, but this is a lovely piece of furniture that you have brought back to life!!
Yes! Thanks!
Not sure why you say this. I am a true furniture snob and purist of the highest order when it comes to restoring and refinishing furniture and his work is masterful.
I think the issue of value goes out the window once someone takes an antique piece, throws it to the curb for the garbage truck to crush it, and it sits in the rain for weeks, warping apart beyond all comprehension. By that point it would never hold any value again at all due to all the water damage and/or insects, so it's fair game to take "artists liberties" with it. @@meepenjaap7999
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! All I can say is you are a master craftsman! To any naysayers that have heartburn over refinishing this antique, this baby was headed to the dump. This was an absolute rescue of epic proportions. Well done sir!
Thank you! And well said!
Mr. Thomas, you not only teach furniture restoration techniques, but you also teach the history of furniture making and design. You are a valuable asset to anyone interested in these things. Thank you.
You're welcome! That is very nice
From roadside wreck to a thing of beauty. You worked your magic one again. 👏👏👍
Antique furniture purists , eat your heart out😊
Yes! Thanks!
A true diamond in the rough that not many could see. Thank you Tom for having the knowledge, skills, and supplies to bring it back to life!
He really has a way of turning what some consider trash into treasure. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you 🥰👏☺️!
You're so welcome!
You're welcome!
This is the BEST RESTORATION on UA-cam!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
As a small boy i watched my grandfather in his shed at weekends.He was a builder/carpenter by trade.His hobby was cabinet making and he was meticulous like you.All his tools were hand tools.No electric drills,no circular saw and various hand planes.He made some very good furniture and i have several pieces he made.I have worked in engineering until i retired an have good hand skills on metal plus multiple machine tool knowledge.I do make and repair wooden items but not on your or his level.Your demonstration brought back fond memories.Thankyou.
You're so welcome! Thanks for sharing those memories. I'm so glad you have some of his pieces! Be sure to write the history of each piece and attach it
At the end of the day people buy antiques to brag about them to their rich friends, and people buy old beautiful pieces like this to enjoy and admire them. So kudos to you Tom for, "restoring" this one to it's golden days!
derrickstorm6976 To be fair, rich people also buy antique furniture because they like them, even if they get the added bonus of showing off the pieces to their friends.
I have always bought antique furniture - the majority from 1820 -1860. Why? I find the pieces attractive, they are made from solid wood, they have a history and - even more important - they tend to be far cheaper than their modern equivalent. Particularly if one buys at auctions.
Plus, of course, if I decide to sell any item after a few years, there's every chance I will get my money back. Which is clearly not the case if I were to buy from an expensive shop selling contemporary furniture.
From the scrap heap to beautiful useful piece of chest of drawers. When are the young going to realise that chipboard furniture won’t last. Great job. 👏🇦🇺😁
This refers to the idea that furniture made after a certain era is essentially “worthless” for collectors (also depending on the condition, of course). The point here is not that younger pieces aren’t properly appreciated, the point is that you’re losing out very bigly when you put 50 hours of work into a piece that won’t sell for thousands of dollars. Is it still worth it? Of course - you spend a week rebuilding a wonderful piece, and you get to enjoy it for the rest of your life; it just wouldn’t be good business.
Thanks! True! people love to tell their friends what something is "worth". Road Show's assesments make me crazy
Thanks! Yes, same here, most of our furniture is mid to late 19th century
Once again, it's clamp city and Old Brown Glue time! This is a wonderful example of Thomas and his knowledge and skills in the resurrection of a roadside wreck.
Yes sir, it looks pretty good!
Yep! When he says looks pretty good it’s game over!
Thanks! I want to make a video called "Clamp City"
Oh yeah!
Thank you Thomas, for your remarks and craftsmanship.
My wife says clamps are like handbags(purses), you can never have too many!
As a retired cabinet maker,I can say,you did a fantastic job.
Thank you! That means a lot to me, from a fellow tradesperson
Thank you for rescuing this poor furniture.
You're welcome!
Destined for landfill and brought back to life with sensitivity and understanding. Shows why you are a master of your art. Outstanding.
Thank you!
Tom never fails to impress, just keeps getting better!
Thank you!
Wow Tom, I thought even you couldn’t make this beautiful. Once again I was wrong. Wonderful job. I keep telling other furniture restorers to watch you and learn what they should be doing.
Thanks! I bet they like that!
When it cones to repairing antique furniture, Thomas Johnson, YOU DA MAN!
Oh Yeah! You Da Man!
I never get tired of seeing these old gals get another chance to shine.
Me too! Thanks!
This was a wonderful project. I can't imagine how any solid wood furniture could be considered worthless these days. Bringing that old chest of drawers back to life - such a worthwhile way to spend your time. Thank you for sharing with us.
Beautifully said!
You are so welcome!
Yes, thanks!
Sir, you said you think it looks pretty good, I say it is fantastic. I make furniture as a hobby for family, and I've learned a huge amount of information on furniture construction, coloring & finishing from your videos. Your videos are exceptionally descriptive in the procedures used, the how's, and why's. Thank you for taking the time to provide these tutorials, you are a most generous man, as well as an expert in your field.
Thank you! That is so nice, I appreciate you watching and commenting. Good luck with all your projects!
As someone who worked as a refinisher for 5 years in the 90’s, I can say you are a master of your craft, well done sir ! Bringing discarded pieces like this back to life must be very rewarding.
Thanks! Only 5 years? I hope you are still doing some work on furniture!
@@johnsonrestoration not really I’m a retired teacher, busy with some other pursuits but enjoy the videos.
What a fortunate chest of drawers to have been lovingly repaired and restored by you.
Thanks! I know, it's amazing to think about how it somehow ended up being saved
You can see the beauty in abandoned furniture. I love your patience and positive energy. :)
Thank you!
Always looking forward to Friday and your Videos Mr. Johnson. You'd doing great work. Best wishes from Germany Alice
Thank you Alice! First comment! Congratulations!
Everything old is new again…love your work.👏👏👏👏👏🇦🇺
Yes! Thank you!
Great Restoration.!! Brought the piece back from the trash pile and in use again..!! Bravo..!!
Yes! Thank you!
It does my heart good to see beautiful wood furn, esp an antique, saved from the trash. Ppl just don’t appreciate quality and craftsmanship so much anymore. Thank you for restoring this treasure! Have a lovely weekend greetings from so Fl.
Thanks! Me too! I love saving objects from the landfill
Dear Mr. Johnson, only a master can do what you do! Your find was a treasure!
Greetings from California.
Thank you!
The idea of a 200 year old dresser in the rain on the side of the road gives me chest pain! So glad the master made it right! Watching him hand turn those legs was awesome!!!
Thank you! It’s amazing my friend found it, and texted me a photo, and grabbed it!
Gorgeous Job. TYVM for saving this piece of history from the trash.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Another stunning restoration and conservation, but above all, a salvation!! It's heartwarming to see how you've resurrected a piece of history from certain destruction, and given it life again. Not only have you saved an item of interest, heritage and charm, but sensitively and meticulously respected the original joinery and materials. About 200 years ago it was a basic but essential piece of decent home furniture, and served it's purpose since then. Thomas, you've given it another lease of life and as a result of your skills and the modern conservation materials you've used, it will no doubt last even longer again. It has evolved from utilitarian to unwanted and now, under your craftsmanship, back to being a charming item that will no doubt be cherished, respected and much loved. Another wonderful job, another informative and educational account, another piece of our heritage saved from the scrapheap. Thank you Thomas, and bravo! Warmest greetings from UK. 👏 😊 🤗
You are so welcome Federico! Well said...
A nice indepth look at a master craftsman's solution to so many problems, and a worthy and utilitarian piece repaired and put back into use.
Yes, thanks!
Mr Thomas. I can not stop admiring your skill. You Sir are a master of your carft.
Thank you!
Thank you, Thomas it is a pleasure to see you woodturning.
You're welcome!
Tom, the best restorations are of pieces found alongside a road. You have given this a new life as a treasured dresser that can be used for decades to come! Really enjoyed this, and your little tortoiseshell kitty is quite beautiful! 😊
Thanks! Yes, Veronica is a sweetie!
Pure artistry Tom, outstanding!!!!....Thank goodness some furniture-flipping chick with a Graco spray gun did not pick up this piece, drown it in wood filler, and paint it the obligatory sage green LOL.
That made me laugh! Thanks! But I've watched some of these "chicks" do a damn fine job on what is used furniture, saving those pieces from a landfill
I watch a lot of furniture restoration videos but have never come across Thomas Johnson before. WOW. He's the real deal.
And he owns more clamps than any person on the planet. :)
What a treat to witness this amazing transformation - beautifully done!
Thank you! That's nice...
Wow, that you haven’t heard of him! His number of clamps are nothing compared to his skill. I love how he works so slowly and carefully and then has all sorts of knowledge to solve all sorts of problems.
Some of those clamps look like they've been trusted shop companions for a good long while!
his daughter also does renovation, also talented try and watch her videos
Just to thank you for the respect you give to every piece of furniture. A great example to follow. I wish your restoration standards were everybody’s.
Thank you! That's very nice
You are a master! ❤
Thank you!
Well Thomas, that was yet another masterful bit of work! In my 20s (now 69) I saw the leg of an upside down wooden table in the dumpster of my sister apartment. I pulled out a small three legged tilt top table of walnut with a veneered top. One leg was missing and the veneer was lifted. I made a new leg, glued down the veneer and sprayed it with NC lacquer. I still have it today! As a project it was maybe 1 or 2 percent of your chest of drawers project here, but it did get pulled out of a dumpster for gosh sakes! Since then I have rescued many pieces as an amateur. I remain in awe of your talent and the fine fine work you do! All my best, Doug
Thanks Doug! Saving pieces from the trash is the best!
Thank you I love seeing old furniture saved
You are so welcome! Me too!
Loving the detective work and the furniture history
Thanks! Me too - I'm always learning something
I learn a lot from your channel and it is always a pleasure@@johnsonrestoration
I’m so happy that this chest found a person with the skills to make it beautiful again!!! If I had seen that on the side of the road, I would have thought it was hopeless!!
Thanks! It was hopeless, I just didn't know it!
Not only are you a great restorer, you shoot an excellent video. Camera, lighting, editing, and easy listening without and-uh and all the fillers. A true master.
Thank you! I do like the videography part of the job
So I watch videos where people paint wood furniture for a quick sale and that's fine. Then I watch these videos and I think, and I'm awe struck at what can be accomplished when you know exactly what you are doing. And have a great workshop. And have all the tools. I mean, wood turning is just so very cool.
Thank you! Yes, I love turning!
A joy to watch the master bring a nice old piece back to life!
Thanks!
My favorite video from you ever because I love how you took this out of the garbage and refinished it into something stunning. I feel your quiet pride in this one.
Thanks! I am proud of it. I had no idea it would look so good!
Tom you are the restoration wizard of Maine if not the world, nothing short of legendary. 50.59 minutes of Resto Bliss. Thank you once again.
You're so welcome!
Between “Maine” and “world” I definitely choose “world”. I follow several restorers on YT --naturally not the kind that “restores” by painting--, no one compares to master Tom.
(And I hope you don’t mind my calling you “master Tom”, dear mr Johnson: I mean it with great respect and great affection.)
Just amazing! Thanks for inviting us into your shop. You are a true craftsman. My Dad (retired carpenter) would have loved watching you work and learning your techniques.
Thank you! Yes, I wish you and he could have enjoyed them together
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for saving that lovely chest of drawers. ❤
You are so welcome!
I think you did an amazing job in giving this piece a second chance to adorn someone's home. Great job!
Thank you so much!
Sir you are a magician. I have learned so much from watching you. Who cares about value when you are saving a fine piece from the side of the road. Outstanding work
Thanks!
Thomas this piece went from what was thought to be trash to priceless. It is just beautiful.
Thank you!
Thank you. Wish there were more craftsmen like you
You're welcome! They're out there!
Thomas- this a wonderful restoration of this chest of drawers. I learn so much watching your videos. Thank you. You saved a bit of American history.❤
Thank you! I feel that way too
While my husband was employed by the county highway department, he would find furniture “in the ditch” so to speak. Wisconsin is a newer state than Maine so our ditch treasures aren’t as old as what you get. Nor are they in as good of shape. He manages to see past the broken parts, the horrible finishes to see the potential finished piece. I refurbish/refinish them. Watching you work, I was happy to learn that most of what I do follows your techniques. Our home is furnished with “old attic”, “early rummage”, “dumpster”, and “ditch”. Old furniture is much sturdier than most of what you find new. My maternal great grandmother’s kitchen table, and my paternal grandmother’s chairs are back in use today. I look forward to each of your videos to see what treasure you will bring back to life.
That's great! Our house is furnished much the same way! I'm glad that there are some workers who see the value and save these pieces
Tremendous respect for such a brilliant restoration ❤️💚👍🇬🇧
Thank you!
You worked a miracle on this chest of drawers! You did a beautiful restoration! Thank you
You are very welcome!
Absolutely amazing. My favorite furniture has always been from the 1830s and 40s. Late Sheraton early empire or in Europe Biedermeier. It’s so wonderful to see you work and repair this piece. I wish I was 40 years younger and could be apprentice. Thanks for another great video.
You're welcome! I don't know if I have a favorite
Incredible The real Beauty is that your Art saved a piece of history ✨
Yes, I believe so too. Thanks!
Astonishing rescue!. And what a privilege to see a craftsman at work. I loved this.
Thank you Robert!
I like how you made it look just like it would had it been "lived with" normally rather than set out on the roadside. It still belongs to its era.
Yes! Thanks! I always try to do that
It's such a crime to see vehicles, houses, furniture, etc. "updated, modded, modernized." Their essential nature is lost and they look pimped out! This video is a classic in respecting the original nature of something.@@johnsonrestoration
I am always in complete awe watching you , Mr. Thomas , work your magic!! This one is no exception. The care you give to each and everyone of the pieces you bring back to life is amazing. My grandfather , father and two of my five brothers were cabinet makers and carpenters. I ,myself refinished furniture for my own home..(no paint).. I just turned 80 years young last month and did a desk and night stand for my 12 year old great granddaughter. They were mine from my home. She said she would pass them on to her children.
That is so great! When you pass down a piece of furniture, be sure to write down everything you know about it and attach it inside. That way future generations will know it should be kept in the family (hopefully)
Amazing workmanship as always, also saving a piece of antique furniture.
Thanks!
And this is what furniture restoration is all about!! Absolutely wonderful job! It is a pleasure to watch you work! Thank you Tom
You're welcome Agnes!
Thomas you are the epitome of Mindfulness as you treat everything with purpose and respect. A great educational video, thank you for saving and repairing this beautiful piece
You're welcome Dione! I appreciate it!
You are the best that could have happened to that piece of furniture. You rescued it and I don't understand how somebody could have thrown this out in the first place. Those feet are amazing. I don't care whether it has any value, it looks great. This is far better than modern mass produced furniture.
Yes! Thank you! Couldn't have said it better
"I think it looks pretty good." I love that understatement at each reveal in your videos, Tom. I don't think I've ever seen a transformation where the piece didn't look superb after your restoration magic! This chest is no exception -- it's a treasure now!
Thank you Stephen!
As a fellow restorer of 50+ years I commend your workmanship. Makes me want to find something to restore, thanks for the motivation.
Thank you! Coming from a fellow tradesperson I take that as high praise
Now that was a piece worthy of restoration and you did a great job. I think I can say from all of us that we'd all like to see more of your Tortie assistant!
Thanks! I will try!
Quite impressive, including the metric where needed!
Thanks! I have to be on my toes, I know you're watching!
Well done Tom. Whatever anyone says in a negative way about this restoration, you have actually brought back to life a piece that was on the way to the graveyard. Thanks for sharing you knowledge in this enjoyable video.
You're so welcome!
What a wonderful piece of furniture, resurrected by a true master craftsman.
Watching you and listening to you at work is a very peaceful experience.
Thank you Mr Tom Johnson
You're very welcome!
You outdid yourself on this one Tom.
Thank you! I was lucky!
The saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is perfectly shown in this dresser. I loved watching a very skilled craftsman bring back its original beauty and plan to use it in its intended purpose far into the future. If furniture had feelings, it would be breathing a huge sigh of relief! 👌👍💕💕
Oh yes! If this one could talk! Thank you!
The work you do is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing
You're welcome!
You brought a badly damaged gem back to it's beautiful glory.
Thanks! Yes, it makes me happy!
Most recent transaction history. lol. Love this channel.
Thanks!