Restoring a Biedermeier Chair - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2020
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this handsome Biedermeier chair whose crest rail had broken in two, and whose finish had mottled from moisture. 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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“Looks pretty good” - your trademarked understatement. 😉 This project also show the wisdom of less is more.
Very true! Thanks!
@@johnsonrestoration Now, the customer will want the rest of the set to receive the Tom Johnson makeover, yes?
“Looks pretty good”... yes, indeed it does!
Dear Mr Johnson, Please don't ever leave us.
In these crazy times, you bring peace, calm and happiness to so many.
Here's wishing you a long and healthy life 💙
L from #UK💙
Thank you! That is so nice. It is my intention to live forever - we'll see how that goes!
@@johnsonrestoration we’re rooting for you, Tom! I’ve learnt so much from you over the years since I began learning woodwork and Boatbuilding. It’s been a little over five years now and I have taken so many of your little tips and tricks with me on my travels and projects, impressing my colleagues along the way. I see you as an old mentor I’ve never met. Wishing you good health and happiness from the UK.
All the best,
Pablo
@@johnsonrestoration: I’m pretty sure that we’re going to celebrate you when you choose to... choose to walk on to bigger and better things.
@@johnsonrestoration me too. Alas i have yet to find my vampire. God damn it. so. I watch calming conservation videos.
@@johnsonrestoration So far so good!
Wonderful therapy for crazy times. Thank you, Mr. Johnson.
You are welcome!
Look, if Tom Johnson says it will “never ever blend in,” you better damn believe it.
The master blender definitely knows
he was forceful about it. i took it very seriously as well.
Thanks! True, I've been down that road too many times!
Yes! you have to go with your instincts!
Oh yeah! Thanks!
I am grateful so grateful you include the oops's. Something that doesn't go as well as hoped. Admit something isn't perfect, how choose to deal with, weighing the options. Unexpected discoveries, we'll have to see when we get there. In general things that can happen to me too, and nothing to beat myself up for.
So much simple illustrating. Explanation is clear, concise, audible, everything to the point without unnecessary rambling on.
Maybe it's just me but your teaching method truly hits my sweet spot, how I best learn. It is if I am your camera, positioned where I would place myself in the room and answering MY questions all the while enabling me to pick up on a great many details adjunct to those you mention.
As a soloist (figure out how to manage by myself) and DIYer, staunch repurposer (I know a bath mat when I see one and gave a second life to old cheap upper cabinets equipped with wheels on the floor) I'm taking careful note of what I term workarounds. How can I do this without spending money, have all the latest tools and equipment and/or model/dream workspace and shop. I am resourceful, creative and know thing or two and each video learn something beyond how to repair that peice of furniture.
You are indeed a man of many gifts and reading comments clearly you have an appreciative audience. This is why when it would be quicker fo me to simply say, well done! 😁
Thank you! So nice! Good luck on all that repurposing - I love it too!
glad to see your business is still alive and well during covid!!
Thanks! Yes it is. I have a big backlog anyway, but people are still having their furniture repaired!
You really must make hoodies and T's with: I think it looks pretty good
Great idea. And also has to say Tom Johnson, restoration; Gorham, Maine
It could have a broken piece of furniture on the front and the same repaired piece on the back with the words, “I think it looks pretty good.”
Thanks! Yes, I need to do that!
Yes, thanks!
Good idea! Thanks!
This chair is an excellent example of Biedermeier Revival that became so popular in the late 1890s through to the Art Deco period. It was revived due to an extremely popular exhibition at the Vienna Applied Arts Museum in 1896. "Truth in materials" was the primary philosophy in its creation and had a major influence on the Bauhaus and Art Deco styles.
That’s interesting to know; thanks! Were the chairs made in Italy?
Wow, the knowledge! 🤯
@@theresanovak4199 There seems to be at least another very similar set for sale on 1stDibs (now sold), also with "Made in Italy" labels, and Italy had a lot of small-scale, high-quality furniture makers in the 1920s and 30s.
Yes thats true, but one thing worried me, the thickness of the veneer. When it came from the 1890s it would have thin veneer. I have a small bedside Table, from the second Biedermeier, but has thin walnut veneer and you can see the industrialization in all parts.
@@jorglanganki6116 Not necessarily. People kept using thick, hand-sawn veneers through the 19th and well into the 20th century, though less and less frequently. Finding thin, machine-cut veneers only provides a date _post quem_
Also, bear in mind that here the veneering (or rather, lamination) has more than just an aesthetic purpose, because of the concave shape of the back.
What makes your videos so darn fascinating is you know what to do, but more importantly - what NOT to do. You also demonstrate a talent I lack - knowing when to stop.
Thanks! Yes, comes from experience!
My grandpa is 85 years old and he love your videos he don't speak any English at all, but that's the kind of work he do back in time in Cuba.
That is so cool! ¡Gracias abuelo! ¡Disfrutar!
Funny I was just sitting here the other day, and again yesterday, thinking, "Hmm I wish Tom would come out with another video, I'm going thru withdrawal!". and sitting here little while ago the bell went off! and my wish was granted. Thank you Tom and thanks for sharing.
Me to my good man Tom has my attention 100% I can honestly say there’s nothing on tv that can do that 👍
You're welcome! I really appreciate it!
Thank you! That's amazing
A little slice of heaven in a mad world. Thank you as always Tom 🙏😊
My pleasure!
You are so sympathetic to the pieces you work on . It's an absolute joy to see how you keep the character and history intact no matter the repair needed. Thank you so much Tom.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Thanks Thomas ,everyday I learn more from you, you are very clear an easy to understand! - Day by day I wait to go home to watch your videos
You’re welcome!
Is is always an honor to be mentioned by a legend in the furniture restoration industry. Thank you for your support Thomas!
You're welcome! Yes, a legend in his own mind! I'm liking the Lubricite!
Tonight's comment 4 (long overdue):
I've seen commenters call you "meticulous", but I don't find this enough. What I feel is that you approach every repair with the care one would reserve for a wounded animal. So I must say, dear master Thomas, that of all the UA-cam woodworkers I'm subscribed to, you are the one I'd love to apprentice under - barring none.
I would agree. Is there something above "Master" woodworker. Tom is in a class by himself I think.
Simply put, i would say, his incredible skills and experience aside.., he works with a level of care as though it was his own furniture.
I’ve had dolts do work in my home which in some cases I re-did myself 100x better after watching them employ some minor technical skill or trick I didn’t have at the time.
I was considering the Bach crest as an avatar, but I chose the crying baby instead.
Thank you! That is very nice
Thank you!
The clamping was absolutely genius
Thank you!
One of the best experiences of watching your videos is seeing all the different kinds of designs of various furniture that there is. While you did an excellent repair to this chair. I couldn't help but notice some of the weaknesses of that design of chair. It seems rather top heavy which might have had something to do with it's damage. The legs look like they could use stretchers to make them more robust too. But I guess this why it is the design it is. I really enjoy these examples and how to repair their problems. Thank you Tom for a peek into a very overlooked part of life.
Thanks! It's true, people take their furniture for granted sometimes, and these videos are a good look "behind the scenes"
I just fixed an Upholstered Chair for friends..the front rail had been cracked from a silly accident. I think I'm a decent woodworker, but the only reason I attempted a furniture repair was because I've watched every TJ Vid and have learned so much from him ...Thanks Tom !
You're welcome! I love that people are willing to try after watching the videos!
I am positive whoever owns this chair will be delighted!
Thanks again! they were!
Thanks, Tom. You made my day! It is so rare to find a content creator who reads the comments and replies to their viewers. My hats off to you!
You're welcome! So far so good, but there could come a time when there may be too many
@@johnsonrestoration Understandable. Do you do all the camera work and editing yourself? It must take forever! Always a pleasure to watch you at your craft.
Love the ingenuity of the clamping set up.
Thanks!
14 clamps! Love it! Such a small area too!
Yes, just couldn't fit any more! Thanks!
Although this video is one year old, I would like to say when you fall in love with your job. You became creative. This is what I feel when I watch you amazing restoration works. All the best Rashid from 🇧🇭
Thank you Rashid!
I had a huge gorgeous Biedermeier wardrobe that came apart in ten pieces and six months after moving house I realised that half the pieces were missing. On calling the man who moved me he explained that he couldn't fit it all in the truck so he left 'some bits of wood' on the sidewalk ! I had to get rid of the rest and nothing could be done! This chair is lovely, great job Tom, AGAIN !!!!! xoxoxo
Wow! That is unbelievable. Thanks for watching
Bravo...... a true surgeon for furniture... greetings from sunny Florida.☀️☀️
Thanks!
Thank you for mu morning's supply of joy and fascination............did I ever mention that YOU ROCK? Considering that I am almost as old (in some instances older) than the pieces you work on, it pleases me to see that "old" is still worth keeping around - warts, cracks, mottling (particularly mottling!), repairs, and all!
Thanks! Yes, and Band-aids too!
Perfect Saturday morning, coffee and a TJ video!
Thanks! Any more coffee?
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration Sure, having one right now. Might be cold by the time it gets to you though. :)
Great job. Next job will be the other 5 chairs. Totally refreshed them.
Thanks! Yes, it will happen!
I love how even with your expertise you aren’t afraid to show your flaws. Very human experience. Much obliged
Thanks! Yes, we're trying to show the good, bad and ugly!
Amazing job,mr.Johnson,once again!
Thank you!
Keeping score...yep, you are the clamp master of the world! So many nice ideas!
Thank you!
Another thing I've learned from you, Minwax wax sticks. Thought of several times I could have used them. Thank you Tom.
I’m only seeing them sold individually on line. I’d like if they sold them as a set of different colors.
Thanks! Yes, they're great
Yes, I've never seen them as a set. But you'll find them at your local hardware store
Tom "Pretty Good" Johnson. Love the channel and your demeanor. Thanks for all the lessons 👍
You're welcome! And I appreciate you watching!
Truly the Bob Ross of antique furniture restoration.
Thank you! That is quite a compliment
I beg to differ: Bob Ross was a mediocre kitch painter, while master Tom is, well, a master!
A lovely bit of clamping. It could very well be Italian Biedermeier, (which tended to more classical elements) there is a still a sizeable population of German speakers in the north of the country, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire until the Versailles treaty. To me it looks like a mid 19th century style, but it was more of a movement than a unified style of course. As well as lasting a good long time. Thanks for sharing and making the video.
Here in Germany you often find furnitures like this one - with "made in Italy" marks on them. From the 1950s to the 1990s there were many factorys in Italy which reproduced antique furniture, especailly Biedermeier and Baroque because originals were very expensive in that days. So I think that this chair is a modern reproduction, also the construction and the not fixed seat indicate that.
But nevertheless it is a nice chair, also worth the restauration! Great Job by the way!
You're welcome! And yes, more of a regional thing as opposed to a single country
Thanks! Yes, I'm convinced now that the chair was "younger" than I originally thought
You had to do a lot of clapping before u started the repair. It now looks beautiful. Great job. Thank you for sharing it with us.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching
Thanks Tom. It is always good to see the respect and care you give a piece of broken furniture as you give it a new lease on life.
I couldn’t help but notice you have a few tall clocks in for repair. I can’t wait for you to post those videos 😊
All the best,
Norm in Arizona
Thanks Norm, I'm working on one of those now
What an elegant chair, and you certainly treated her like a lady! She's beautiful!
Thank you!
I've recently discovered this channel and I've been binge watching. It's wonderful to see a Master Craftsman like Tom do his thing, and I'm learning so much. Thank you Tom, your videos are wonderful and you're the real deal. Best wishes from UK.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
"Hi, Tom? About that chair you refinished... We'll be over with the other 5 in 10 minutes...." :)
"..and the table, the armoire, the hutch, the... well, a moving van is basically on its way..." 😂
Thanks! It's happened!
Thanks! It has happened!
Beautiful. Lovely minimalistic restoration work. Video enjoyed with a ceremonial cup of tea.
A ceremonial cup of tea - how very Biedermeier! ;-)
@@dlevi67 Too sentimental? TJ has his cup of tea. It's part of the experience ;-)
@@airingcupboard You should try adding some Schubert in the background ;-)
Thanks! I thought I was the only one having ceremonial cups of tea!
I always think of Japanese people having ceremonial tea!
You are missed! Even though youtube indicates this video was two weeks ago, it seems like two months. Looking forward to your next video!
Thanks! I try to put up a videos every 2 weeks but I can't always do it!
Just discovered your channel recently and I love it! I worked in a wood shop throughout late high school and college, at the time I couldn't wait to get out of there....yet today here I am, 20 years later, sitting at my desk in an office building watching your videos longing to build or restore something again. Thanks for the entertainment, for sparking my memories, and for inspiring motivation to get a home shop going and start building again.
Thanks! Many years ago - I think in 1973 - I made the proclamation: "I will never work in a building where the windows don't open again!" My daughter took the same pledge, and now she has her own woodworking business
🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 67 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼
Thank you! Hugs back!
Great work, I pick up so many little tricks from your channel doing my own Matchbox and Hot Wheels restorations. It's amazing how some of your methods apply to my little cars.
Thanks! Yes, the basics are always the same. I can't get over how many videos there seems to be on matchbox car restoration!
good stufff...including your buddy at the end, priceless...txs for sharing
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic restoration Tom! When your customer sees the beautiful finish on this chair, with the modeled finish of the legs repaired, I bet they'll bring you the 2nd chair in the set to clean, pad, & polish too!
"mottled"
Thank you very much! Yes, they actually have 3 more!
Yes, thanks!
Tom you make the difficult look easy and the easy a cinch, and that comes from a depth of knowledge attainable through much practice and effort, thank you for another master class.
I think your work Looks pretty amazing!
Thank you! I always appreciate you watching and commenting
I wanted to comment on the crystal clear and very beautiful butterfly on clover finale. It was so sharp and detailed. Indeed it was altogether lovely!
Thank you so much! I love doing the wildlife videos. You can see it better than in real life!
A very entertaining watch. Thank you.
Thank you too!
A big like as always!
Big thanks!
A true Master Craftsman. Love watching him work. Always learn a lot.
Thanks 👍
I don't know what happened but this is the first video I have been notified about in weeks. I was going through some, "It looks pretty good to me." withdrawal.
Thanks! Yes, I don't know what's up with the notification thing, except youtube stopped them. Maybe they're back now
Really great to see this new video, Tom Johnson. Thank you. More proof of the miracle of glue, clamps, and Tom's skill, ingenuity and patience.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Wow, you did a fantastic job!
Thank you so much!
Good work.
Thanks for sharing.
Learn so much watching.
You're welcome!
Beautifully done.
Thank you very much!
Interesting wood, I once have something similar and was called "Chinese bamboo" I enjoyed your reply to the clamp - squealers.
Interesting! Thanks!
OUTSTANDING WORK
Thank you!
I've been using Old Brown Glue for a couple of years now and have always been happy with it. And it is a relief to know it is reversible if you've messed up! I thought about messing with hide glue granules, but haven't dived in yet. Nice to you know you've been enjoying using it.
Thanks! yes, and I think it is better than the granules. Just less to fuss with. Better open time. I've used the hide glue from Lee Valley, from granules, and it is very good
It looks amazing! Great job, as always!!
Thank you so much!!
Absolutely a master's touch...Thank you for sharing.
You're very welcome
Always love your videos! Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome!
Goodness! Hello, Tom,I needed a soothing sip of you this morning! Relax and focus on tender mercies.
Thanks!
wonderfully done as always
Thank you so much 😀
You are a great professional, Bravo!👍
Thank you very much!
Beautiful piece
Thank you very much!
Thank you Tom; another great video....cheers...rr
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely work as always - thank you for sharing!
You're welcome!
another brilliant video , always makes me feel peaceful
Glad to hear that! Thanks!
Beautiful job, and amazing clamping - thank you so much.
You're welcome!
We really enjoy your videos, much needed relaxation. Thank you.
You're welcome!
That chair turned out terrific. As usual, another fine job.
Thank you!
Another beautiful job! You ARE the master. Kisses to Ella.
Thank you! I will do that right now!
Beautiful job.. thank you for sharing
You are so welcome!
Another most enjoyable restoration to watch, Tom!
Many thanks!
It is always a pleasure to see a new video from you pop up in the notifications. Thank you for sharing.
You're very welcome!
Looks pretty good. Furniture restoration with a touch of National Geographic. Love your videos.
Thank you very much!
Beautiful chair from Italy!
Yes, it is! Thanks!
Thanks so much for making these videos TJ
You're welcome! And thanks for watching!
So peaceful to watch you at work.
Thanks!
Well done sir! I admire your talent!
Thank you so much! 😀
Tom we need more videos please, you’re the best!
Thanks! I have like 200 videos up! Have you seen them all? But I'm working on more!
Glad to see you today..always a good point in my week to see you at work😍
🤗 Thanks!
I was wondering how you were going to fix up the clamping for glue. Clever trick, must remember that one too. Great work.
Thanks! 👍
Beautiful work, as always.
Thank you very much!
Another one bites the dust, nice video Tom enjoyed it very much thank you!.
Very welcome!
I have a feeling the customer will bring the others chairs in the set for the same finishing!
They would be foolish not to!
Thanks! I think so too!
Thanks!
That's a lovely job...👍.
Thank you!
Thomas it was well done. I learn from you every time I check in to see what you are doing. Thank you for another great video.
You're welcome!
Liked this one very much!
Thank you!
Beautiful chair! The rest of the set must be amazing 😍
Thanks! I haven't seen them but I agree
What a great start to my weekend, another Tom Johnson video. Beautiful chair, expertly repaired and spruced up. I learn so much from every video. Thank you, Tom! As always, you are pretty good.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
I love these videos! I have a bunch of older furniture around the house and after watching your videos I have purchased a few books on antique furniture restoration and repair. I look forward to giving this furniture some new life!
That is awesome! Thanks for watching and good luck!
Nice to see it is Friday again 😀 that was one of the best but at the same time the minimal amount of work done to a chain it just goes to show minimal repairs sometimes are the best looks amazing 😀😀👍
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@johnsonrestoration hello Thomas I really enjoy watching your repairs old items as you show in detail from start to finish on each of your projects thank you from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 take care 😀😀
I have learned so much from your videos, and I am just about to work on a very old t back chair that is made out of tiger oak and this has really helped me
Wonderful! I'm so happy to be of help
Incredible clamping work!
Thank you very much!
Tom, your long history of experience and dedication shows through on this one. I thought at first you were going to reattach using dowels or a spline technique. Great job!
Thank you!
Another fantastic video Tom. I really liked the double stick tape clamping strategy.
Thanks! 👍 Yeah. it really worked well. First time I tried that!