Rescuing a Victorian Chest of Drawers - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this Irish antique that had fallen into disrepair. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., 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).
In this throw away society, it is so reassuring to see some people cherish old pieces like this. You are so patient and methodical in putting this chest of drawers together. Shows what a true professional can do with what seems to be hopeless. Beautiful work.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
This is one of those pieces that, when you see it, you think: “Yep! Perfect for in the fireplace!” And then the Master starts his magic…..Wow! Just Wow!
Thank you!
Right? He always amazes me!
Not me... I would think "I can definitely rescue this and make it mine forever" then it would sit and collect dust forever 😆 but I could never bring myself to toss it, I love this kind of furniture way too much.
Thomas Johnson: Saving history one piece at a time. Not just a restoration, a complete reconstruction. Amazing result!
Thank you!
I know nothing about woodworking, but it was a joy to watch a master craftsman and artist at work.
Thank you! And now you know something!
Your fearlessness with these projects is very inspiring! That cabinet couldn't have come apart any further, but it had to be done! Also, I admire the collection of antique hardware you've amassed. You can never have too much of that stuff!
So true! Thanks!
I love that the owners invested in saving this piece, with the structure being this damaged most wouldn't have bothered. You did a fantastic job! So glad I found your channel.
Thank you very much! I'm glad you did too!
As usual you are so modest! You took a basket case and rebuilt it into an heirloom to be cherished. You should be proud of your accomplishments and the fact that you stain glue blocks that will never be seen points to your wonderful work ethic, showing that you are truly a master craftsman . In this day and age, that is a true rarity, and perhaps your leading by example will encourage more people to return to our once proud traditions of craftsmanship.
"Looks pretty good." Indeed.
Wow, thank you! I appreciate you watching and your kind words. These words make my day!
I always think of the people who built these pieces originally, never dreaming that some 130 years in the future it would still be around and being restored so impeccably and respectfully. Just stunning.
Thanks! I think about that too!
"I've got to take it completely apart and put it back together again" ... the sweetest words to hear at the beginning of a restoration video :D
36:34 "I really like doing a minimal restoration like this"
@@infillion7177 he was talking about the finish.
Thanks!
I would love to see the look on the owners face when they came to get it. They sent you a pile of firewood and you gave them back an heirloom. Masterful.
'heirloom ' my good man.
Wow that is embarrassing. I can partly blame autocorrect but not for the whole thing.
Thanks!
Great way to put it aha
You are the Bob Ross of furniture restoration. Love your videos!
Wow, thank you!
Seeing all of those nails reminds me of why I spend so much time designing the furniture I make to use precision joinery so that I never have to use a nail or screw with the exception of attaching a top from the bottom side with a few screws. It takes more thought and hand labor, but worth it. You have the patience and experience to work with these old pieces and that keeps this history alive.
Thanks! I agree! It's great that you can design and build you're own furniture
Tom,
Words can not express how grateful I am for your taking the time and effort to make your videos. Sincerest appreciation and thanks.
You're welcome! And I so much appreciate you watching!
How satisfying to watch a craftsman bringing life back to a piece of furniture which has clearly seen better days. Sir, you maintained the integrity of this cabinet and now it can continue serving its purpose. Huge respect to you. Oh and good to see your 'old faithful' companion checking up on you occasionally. Happy 2020 and greetings from the UK.
Thank you! And Happy New Year to you too!
You, sir, are the Bob Ross of furniture restoration.
Thanks! That is high praise!
What an amazing restoration !!!
Thank you!
From a pile of rubbish to an heirloom anyone would be proud of. I’m amazed by your skill and expertise!!!
Thanks!
That cabinet must have feel like having a bath, going to the doctor and a beauty salon after 140 years!! Great job Tom
Thanks! Think of how good it must have felt!
A pleasure to watch you calmly and surely save an important family heirloom. I look forward to more of your restorations. Peace.
Thank you!
Now you having me thinking you're a Magic Man!
The pile of kindling into a BEAUTIFUL piece of furniture. WOW!!
Thank you for sharing you knowledge.
You're welcome!
More of a structural restoration. The result is beautiful. I bet the family were pleased. I like the minimal restoration approach.
Thanks! Yes, it worked out well
I have to say I always do appreciate all the different angles you shoot from during the restorations, It's great
Thanks!
Excellent job. I would showcase it in my home any day. I am 70 yrs old, retired and do some woodworking as a past time. My father was a retired Master Cabinetmaker and I am sure he would have given this restoration a 'thumbs up'.
Thank you!
Another wonderful old piece of furniture, keeping the character is key.
Yes, thanks!
Amazing to think the piece is still in the original family ownership and likely will be for a few more generations. Lucky for them to have found you.
Thank you!
I have a similar dresser in really great shape. It's holding a mirror up top.
I helped my mom refurbish it back in the 70's.
Thanks! I wish this one still had it's mirror
Great work. It's good they have pieces of their family's past like that. Now it's ready for their grand children. Again wonderful work.
Thanks!
Hi Thomas. I really loved your video about restoring a shattered leg on a card table. As an ex-furniture maker myself I can really appreciate your expertise and love of working with wood. You have a great manner and watching you work calmly and methodically on that table was so relaxing and enjoyable.
Thanks!
New life for that tired old piece of antiquity. Beautiful.
Thanks!
It looks gorgeous - absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you!
You are an inspiration, Tom.
I have a wood carving, 200 years old, 35x75cm (😉) and not cleaned for 40 years. Without you I would have left for a few more decades. But . . . I cleaned it patiently, with all the nooks and crannies. I also glued two pieces back into place.
It was very dry. So I oiled it; I hardly recognize it! Second coat of oil going on tomorrow.
I wish I had thought of a ‘before’ picture.
That is so good to hear! Of course I'll need to look at my conversion chart. But I am very happy I could inspire you to take that chance!
Such a beautiful job, Tom! When it came in, it was looking pretty rough, but now...? It's a treasure!
Thanks!
I agree! Looks fantastic. Tom is s magician. 👍
@@peterpanassow7814 I love Tom's attention to detail, and his knowledge of how to color treat, stain, varnish, and polish wood. Craftsmanship and woodworking skills are still alive and well.
Good heavens. What incredible work you do. That's a transformation.
Thanks!
… And that Ladies and Gentlemen is what a true craftsman who cares about the quality of his work looks like!
Thanks!
I loved watching you restore this dresser. My late father was a woodworker. He restored and repaired furniture for many people. I enjoyed your collection of clamps, sanders, parts. When we went through his workshop, we were amazed at all the little things he kept, just in case he needed them for another project. I wished I had videotaped him when he restored some of the pieces.
Thanks! I have so few pictures of my dad in the shop, in fact maybe only one. I wish he could see these videos!
You are not a craftsman, you are a miracle worker. Love your videos.
Thanks!
I love walnut and you sir did a marvellous job resurrecting this set of drawers. It’s beautiful.
Thanks!
Sir, you are one very clever man. Your work always looks fantastic on completion. Your customers must be extremely happy with the finished item of furniture. Great video as well.
Thank you!
Only old wood can look that good with restoration, yet another excellent job well done
Thanks! Very true!
What a treat this one was. Really beautiful.
Thank you!
During the intro, your dog was watching you like a hawk, he’s very keen to see the project start. Love the content! Keep it up. :)
Thanks! Will do! She's waiting for the hide glue to start hitting the floor!
It's so beautiful. I cannot stand it when DYIers take a gorgeous piece and slap paint all over it.
Thanks! Yeah, me either!
I do restoration as well, and nothing crushes my soul as some beautiful mahogany or walnut piece of furniture that has been "upcycled" by application of white latex paint. SMH
@@solinvictus39 EXACTLY!!!!!!
@@solinvictus39 about the marble on the top. How does it is attached?
Superb and respectful craftsmanship. I very much enjoy watching your videos. My 95-year-old father was trained as a cabinet maker. I watched him work all through my childhood. Thank you!
Thanks! How lucky you are to have been able to spend time with him!
Just watched it to the end..... what a joy. Thanks Tom AD
You're welcome!
Happy New Year! All the best to you AND THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR TUTOR!
You are welcome! And Happy New Year to you too!
It'd be interesting to see the owner's reactions to some of the more extreme restorations you do, not to boost your ego but to see how people react to a job well done.
Thanks! maybe someday!
Many folks would have thrown this piece in the trash. It’s nice to see how a little work and know how can preserve a piece of our past. What a beautiful piece of furniture it turned out to be. Great job. You always give me inspiration to try some things for myself.
Thanks!
Your patience and your accuracy are like a beautiful piece of music. It is very relaxing to watch! Your work is amazing!!! Thanks for taking the time to share this with the world.
You're welcome!
when you come across nails or screws that have been in the wood for a long time they form a bond with the wood. I find the end of an electric soldering iron placed over the head expands the nail/screw breaking the bond then when it cools it easy to remove
Thanks! I will try that
TOM?! Don't leave us hanging! Since you discovered a piece of the back wasn't missing, what was the message on the back? Happy New Year and great restoration!
What did it say. It looked like the word MASS was written on it.
My question as well. LOL
Pedrick and Closson' which was in Lawrence Massachusetts during the mid 19th Century.
Here is a link to a an advertisement.
books.google.com/books?id=PWvlFXh1ecMC&pg=PA295&lpg=PA295&dq=closson+furniture+massachusetts&source=bl&ots=QHc6WscbJA&sig=ACfU3U1kUp5x44HVYKKqTxowi1ZDhxdhtQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwja_ce1munmAhWWITQIHdFJAgQQ6AEwBHoECAsQAQ#v=onepage&q=closson%20furniture%20massachusetts&f=false
Thanks! Still can't make it out!
I think it was "MISS"
What a resurrection! You did so much and so little at the same time. It is fascinating.
I like that! Thanks
Really love those kind of late 19th century chests. So happy to see you save it!
Me too! Thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration and your beginning and ending nature clips are awesome.
Your home looks very well decorated too!
Have a great weekend.
Outstanding restoration as always :)
Thanks!
Yet another lovely video. I really like seeing minimal restorations like this one, I feel like you can really preserve the character of pieces like this.
Any apprentices you have or had were likely very lucky having you as a teacher, as you have a great way of explaining while doing that really makes us feel a part of the process!
Thank you!
Wow beautiful restoration Thomas a real rags to riches transformation . Thanks for another wonderful journey .
You’re welcome!
You are a brave soul for taking that apart. Beautiful piece.
Thanks!
It's really nice to get a new video from you, Tom. I convinced my wife to watch with me today, and she and I really liked the way you handled all the problem areas on this piece. The surprise was the back side of the chest of drawers. It really did seem as if a piece had been missing! Naturally, you did your usual expert job on this Victorian chest, and I loved the way that you strengthened, replaced and recaptured the beauty in this antique. I hope that you and your family will enjoy a great and prosperous New Year! Happy 2020!
Thank you! And the same to you also!
Happy New Years! Thank you for all your hard work in 2019 and before.
I'm looking forward to "pretty good" 2020!!!!!!
You're welcome! Me too!
How did that work out for ya? (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)
@@rustyaxelrod. Best year, so far, for a long time!
Lockdown, for me, has been peaceful and productive. It’s kept most of the rats in their holes!
I do understand that’s not the case for everyone, but you take what you can get.
Only downside, a hoard of inconsiderate joggers huffing their way past, thinking they are the only ones who have a right to be outside, it got better when the gyms reopened, now they just splutter over each other! And me, I have it quiet again.
(You won’t actually believe this, but I restored a ukulele, nearly a banjo😀)
From a broken down ugly duckling to a most beautiful swan that should last for many generations to come. Thank you Thomas once again for showing us just how much of a master craftsman you are. I can only imagine the joy you bring to the people who receive your restored items, well done sir.
Thank you!
Such a lovely small chest of drawers with a truly sympathetic restoration! thanks again.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Just came from an old video of yours. So I checked for a recent one. Well what a treat! A mere 15 minutes ago you posted this. And I'm sure it will never get old!
I personally think he is the best on UA-cam!
Yes Sir. Tom is the best I have ever seen. He respects the spirit of each piece with minimal new pieces.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks!
I've been looking forward to something looking pretty good...thanks Tom! Happy New Year to you and yours...
Thanks! And same to you!
Having grown up in southern Louisiana listening to local folklore your cabinet brings to mind the story of Briar Rabbit and the Tar Baby. You fix one spot and then you find another until you have built a cabinet from kindling. Great job on the rehab. Watching your videos is like attending a class on classical furniture restoration. Your greatest lesson is patience in giving time for coatings to cure and giving a second coat rather than rushing the work. Thanks for what you do.
You're welcome! Yes! Growing up I think we wore the grooves out of our Brer Rabbit and Tar Baby record! I like that analogy
I love the scratch sound and careful attention you put on the scraping of your furniture. So maticulice work it's amazing to me and the patience you have to see that your work is accomplish just right!
Thank you very much! I appreciate it!
I'm sitting here watching this and it just occurred to me that I am literally sitting here watching a mans glue dry, and I am totally engrossed. Nice job, I can't wait to watch the paint dry.
Paint? on this piece? God forbid!! LOL
I read your post and had to laugh as it pretty much described what i was doing too!
Thanks! That's good!
Thanks! yes, a good one!
I think the message is an address for an old firm - "Pedrick & Closson, Lawrence, Mass."
You're right, Pedrick & Closson, auctioneers from Massachusets.
I agree.
Yes. The replies below are right
Thanks! Correct, or the original retailer
You have such a respect for the wood and the original maker. I enjoy how you decode the idiosyncrasies of construction each time. Your own craft and aesthetic is exceptional and of course you help us to see it all with great videography and editing. Thank you for your dedication! 🙏
You're welcome! I appreciate your comment!
One of my favorite restorations!!
Thanks Pete! me too!
Great work as usual! Would have been good to see how the back looked when finished.
Thanks!
That was a wonderful restoration - the wood is so rich and glowing after the finish. Did you ever manage to decipher what was written on the cabinet back boards? Happy New Year and I'm looking forward to the next piece into which you breathe life again.
Another great job!!! What kind of wax did you use on marble top after you cleaned it. I have one I need to clean and wax. Tom you are a restoration magician!!! Really enjoy watching you figure out each issue.
Thanks! A commenter found an ad for the company, it was a retailer
Thanks! I didn't wax it, just cleaned. I will try Butcher's Wax
This video is so amazing, I have to watch it over and over.
Thanks! That's great!
Anyone else would have just thrown that in the trash. My son use to restore furniture he would bring home the worst things and turn them into beautiful pieces of furniture I’m going to share this with him he will really appreciate your handiwork. A real treasure beautiful you have gifted hands
Thank you! Yes, your son will appreciate the job!
Proper doggo placement is vital to a proper restoration.
So true! close to the hide glue bits and the treats in Dad's pockets
Have you tried removing the scratches with a steamer? That's how my dad does it. The steam swells the wood and brings the scratch out
Thanks! Yes, I've steamed dents many times
Too many people would not see the beauty in pieces like these. I love seeing these pieces restored.
Thank you! me too!
You work with the wood with such precision and dignity …it is poetry in motion. You have as much respect for an old broken down piece of furniture as you do for the highly valued piece. It’s a pleasure to watch you work!!!
Thank you! That's nice
Hi Tom,
I sure enjoyed watching you restore this Victorian chest and I have subscribed to your Channel. Every time I work sanding wood I always end up getting wood pulp or splinters underneath my fingernails. I noticed that you don't use any gloves. Do you ever have that same problem?
I look forward to watching all of your videos..
Thanks for watching! I guess I do but nothing I wouldn't consider normal. I have an excellent fingernail brush which I use at the end of the day
Thomas, outstanding work! What resources do you use for your antique hardware?
Thanks! I use Ansaldi Hardware and House of Antique Hardware, both on line
In our throwaway society this goes to show you that anything can be saved. What an amazing transformation this piece went through. I'm in awe.
Thank you!
Love your videos. My ancestors moved from Barnstable to Gorham in the 1760’s when it was established.
Thanks! That's amazing! I often imagine what it must have been like back then
I'm sorry Tom, but I have to disagree with you.... This like all of your other restorations, doesn't look "pretty good"! This as all your other restorations, turned out BEAUTIFUL! Sir, you are much too modest! You are amazing! Happy New Year to you and your family... and thank you for sharing your talent with us in 2019... can't wait to see what else is in store for us in 2020! God Bless, much love to ya! ❤
Thank you! And the best to you and your's also!
For the love of God man, please use push sticks with your table saw.
Absolutely, my high school shop teacher is rolling in his grave!
Deuce Luminox. I thought the same thing...until I counted Tom’s fingers. If anyone can do that, he can. The rest of us need push sticks.
@Dave Bryant Not sure who you're calling a hack, but the loss of a finger or two sure would change his style.
Thanks! Often, with small pieces its safer to hold it with fingers. In most of the shots here I’m using push sticks (scratch awls)
Thanks! Yes, still have 10, last time I checked!
Sir, you R the best at your craft; shows with the many skills in reconstructing “these Humpty- Dumpiest” ur clientes bring!
Thanks! That could be a good name for a repair business!
Wow. When I first saw this after is it really worth fixing and then your went through part by part and you were able to fix it . The piece turned out beautiful. I am sure the owners are very grateful. Thank you very much for sharing this beautiful project with us.
You're welcome!
So what did it say on the back?
"Pedrick and Closson", a retailer
the man who built it is smiling in his grave.
Thanks! I think about him (them)!
I don't know why it is so relaxing to watch this video
Me either! But thanks for watching!
The ugly duckling became a swan, your patience and dedication for detail brings out the best character of the wood - congratulations
Thank you!
Transcendental ; you have reduced this dying object to a skeleton and brought it back to life which will live another life .. I’ve said it many times ; You are the master .
Thank you! I appreciate it
Amazing craftsmanship! You are so knowledgeable, it is a pleasure to watch you at work!
Thanks!
These are my favorite kind of videos-the long ones with tons of things to restore and necessary new parts to make.
Thanks! me too!
You are truly a knowledgeable wood worker.
Thanks!
Oh my! A labour intensive minimal restoration! Looks grand! XXX
Thank you!
I can’t believe how nice that dresser is. You are an amazing craftsman! I so enjoy your videos! TFS
Thank you so much!
This is a magnificent restoration, Thomas. The family will treasure this for generations to come.
Yes, thanks!
A video of you rummaging through your old parts drawers would be an absolute top shelf ASMR video. The few seconds you showed her in this video (the wooden scussions and casters) set the tingle-level to 11. Thanks Tom!
You're welcome! I'll try to do more of that type scenes.
You are just a wealth of knowledge. Your videos are so saturated with quality content! Bless you for sharing such legacy
Wow, thank you!
I have watched this video two or three times now, and each time I am more and more impressed and enjoy it each itme. These are the types and condition of pieces that I like to restore also. though I am not a professional, just a neophyte, and thanks for posting the writing on the back like a lot of others I was curious also. Thanks again Tom for doing the video but better yet for sharing it with us. Ellis.
You're welcome!
Came in looking like firewood. Went out looking like the antique it is. Nice job!
Thanks! 👍
At the beginning of the video, Ella was listening to you so intently as if she was your apprentice 😊
I know!! She was my girl! I miss her so... Thanks!