Restoring a Marquetry Box - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine begins his restoration of this late Victorian marquetry box created by the captain of a lightship - part two is here: • Rescuing a Marquetry B... . 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).
Patience of a saint, skill of an artist. Beautiful box.
Thank you!
Others may comment on the veneer replacement and repairs. I must comment on the low-tech, high-skill/experience solutions you apply to the problems of your craft - like that simple sheet of waxed cooking paper to protect the box's insides. I've sen you use that kind of stuff (the "don't resort to expensive tools, resort to good craftmanship" kind of stuff) in most of your videos, but this one is the first one that made me actually chuckle - in a good way. Totally gonna use that easy-to-explain, easy-to-remember example in the future whenever I'm explaining that aproach to children or novice artisans (kids today call them "makers"; I prefer the old terminology).
Making your own tools, finding simple solutions, knowing how to substitute one solution for another when necessary - that all comes with experience
Thanks! That’s a good observation. I like it. I’ve always liked the word “makers”
Thanks!
AM I the only one who goes "Oh Man !??" when one of those tiny pieces slips out when he's trying to tape them down? Wow! there is a ton of stuff that lifted on this piece that did not show in the introduction. a lot more than I thought. and you're right I can't wait for the next video to show the rest of the restorration. And once again the close up shots are phenominal Tom your Camera work is as good as your craftsmanship with wood. That makes these videos so much more personal and enjoyable. Thanks for all of your talents and for sharing. ECF.
Thanks Ellis!
Your filming is so immersive that I have to go wash the glue off my hands afterwards ! Great job, nothing too small for Tom ! Hugs x
Thanks Stephanie! I like thinking of it as immersive. That’s good!
Thank you for posting. 13:23 peep! peep! peep! Also love the Maine native fauna intros (turkeys, cardinals, and SEALS! - great camera work )
I agree with you Mr. Stacy.
The seal reminded me of the rescue group to free seals in Namibia of ocean debris, nets, books, trash, and etc .
Take care.
Thanks! The seal was a lucky shot (video)
Yes, we believe it was resting prior to giving birth
Watching you peel back that veneer and not splinter it to hell and back only reinforces the fact that I’m a klutz and your a craftsman! Great video!
Thanks! I’ve splintered my share, it just takes experience
A treasure lovingly made 143 years ago, and equally skillfully and lovingly restored now, Tom.
Thank you Phil!
Infinite patience in making the veneer replacements and re-gluing the pieces that can be saved. Absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to see the finished sewing box! Love it!!
Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoy your videos and appreciate the time it takes to make them . I can no longer use my hands to work with and I live vicariously through you. Thank you so much !
With respect from East Tennessee !
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them
I saw quite a lot of different restoration videos, but I have to say nobody does it with the mastery and attention to detail like you. Kudos!
Thank you! I appreciate it
I just love the opening montage’s on Thomas Johnson of Goram. Maine’ posts, today’s was a gem, a small, wee, tiny, little, sweet babby seal being rocked to sleep by the wavelets. Ella is looking good.
Thanks! We think she was resting on the rocks before giving birth
The person(s) who edit the film do just a tremendous job. My compliments (and thanks) to them.
Thanks! Yes, he does a great job!
When I see you working with such precision, such finesse, I wish I could have been your apprentice.
Thanks! That's nice
So, so beautiful. I must have made over 30 boxes during the Covid Confinement Periods(though we live in the country,) only dove-tailed oak or ash, playing around with different styles; VERY AMATEUR...Would love to play around with marquetry one day. Will pay special attention....cheers rr Normandy, Fra.
Ah, Normandy... Pas trip mal, oder?
Mixing languages... 🇨🇦in🇩🇪
So nice, "u
Autocorrect"
"Pas trop mal "
Thanks, Richard! 30 boxes is very impressive! I’m sure they’re good
The fact that this entire video wasn't an expletive-filled rant is a real testament to your patience and demeanor! That fussy little box and all that warped lifted chipping veneer would've driven a lesser man insane!
Yes and I bet there are none on the cutting room floor either! The last thing you need is to get yourself worked up when doing such delicate work I suppose. Then Tom is a very special person and clearly has virtues few possess. ☺️
Thanks! I know but I’ve never been like that
Well said! That’s nice
Another video of Thomas !!! Let's stop work and watch the big art.
Thanks! But don’t stop work! What will the boss say?
@@johnsonrestoration I am a university teacher. So it's the holiday mood
Enjoyed the video Tom. That was a very interesting piece especially with the writing on it. Very tedious work. You all take care and God bless.
Thanks Ron!
I just wanted to say how very much I enjoy your videos
Thank you! I appreciate it
More heart stopping moments than a Tom Cruise film. Fantastic. Thanks.
You’re welcome! That made me laugh!
Oops, you did it again Master Carpenter! Another amazing show with sweet animals throughout the video: the smiling seal and the baby chicks followed by Ella your devoted assistant. Glad you keep fine company.Oh, now the box and your attention to detail is beyond my pay grade so I very much appreciate just watching. Thanks again, Thomas!
You’re welcome! That’s very nice
Fun project. Glad to see you using the metric system. Math is so much easier that way. Appreciate you sharing.
Thanks! It doesn’t seem easy to me right now, but I will get there
Like watching a surgeon stitch up an artery. Fantastic restoration.
Thanks!
Hearing the little chicks in the background while you work so gently and carefully is just the perfect example of the vibe your channel has.
Thanks! I never dreamed the chickies noises would work out so well!
Always a joy to watch the master at work being so meticulous and careful. I am looking forward to the next instalment of the repair of this sewing box. It was also fun to see the rhino mug again.
Thanks Chip! I’m glad you noticed it
As well as your masterful skill you obviously need great dollops of infinite patience... and infinite stacks of clamps!
Ella seemed extra cheerful at the beginning and then you showed the chicks, she's clearly delighted with them! Their happy little tweets were lovely to hear in the background.
Eagerly awaiting episode two. 👍
Thanks! Oh yes she was very interested in the chicks
Your delicate care and attention to detail are always astounding. Thank you for sharing this restoration.
you’re welcome!
I hope you enjoyed your vacation. Good to see you back.
Thanks! Yes it was great
The UK Historic Ships Register shows the lightship in question as being built in 1840 and in service until 1945. She still survives though much altered. I think the ship on the box may be HMS Warrior (flying the White Ensign, two funnels between the fore and main masts) - the first truly ocean going iron armoured vessel with both steam propulsion and sail, commissioned in 1860. She too survives in Portsmouth. The chequer work sides look more like HMS Resistance (HMS Warrior and her fellow ships were known as the Black Battlefleet because the hulls were all painted black) but she only had one funnel.
The box is beautiful - I cannot imagine making this on dry land let alone a pitching and tossing light vessel - and the repairs as always are respectful and wonderfully executed. I look forward to part 2.
Oh wow, thanks for the research, that's fascinating! 🙏👍
Wow! Thank you! This is very interesting. The box was made by the master of the Inn on the point. So it was on land
I agree!
It was a labour of love. As always I admire your attention to detail and the tireless amount of scraping off old glue. It's only a little box, but the amount of work required seems endless. Looking forward to part two.
Thanks!
Very inspirational work. You work like a surgeon.
Thanks! Yes, I used to be one! (just kidding)
I realize you have confidence born of vast experience, nevertheless I am so impressed that you are never deterred, never discouraged, and that you forge ahead where others may throw in the towel. Masterful work, Tom !
Thanks Bill! Well, it’s for a customer, so I can’t give up!
Well, it’s nice to see you back.
Thanks! Good to be back
Don't forget those of us who don't speak English! I can be guided by the pictures, but your more technical explanations are always better.🙂
Thanks! You can turn on subtitles with the settings, somewhere below the video
Tom is back! Love getting a new video.
Thanks!
I used to be a fan... But after watching this, I am a whole air conditioner!
Amazing work Tom, I too think it looks pretty good.
You have to stay tuned for that!
That’s great! Thanks
Yes! In two weeks
I just get more and more curious about the barn every time you mention it. You're gonna have to break down and give us a barn tour one day. ;-)
Thanks! Yes, that’s a good idea
Another Masters class... As usual...
Thanks!
A great way to start my Sunday morning.
great! Enjoy it!
I know a bit about sewing boxes and that one is why I always got the best ones I could find.
Yes, they are always quite interesting!
@@johnsonrestoration I ran a fabric (sewing) store in Bozeman, Mt. for almost a decade and every Christmas I'd order 6 of the absolute fanciest sewing boxes made to have in my store for the fall season.
Tommy’s back! Hope you had a great time off!
Thanks! I did!
Boy have I missed these! 😁
Thanks!
Beautiful, respectful and caring work, as always! I love your videos! As others say, also the filming and editing is exceptional. In my opinion this is a jewelery case, not a sewing box. It is too small for much use for someone keen on sewing, and as for the pin cushion, many ladies owned ornate hat pins. My granny, born in the late 1800s would not have been seen dead without a hat on outdoors (in Scotland) in the first half of the 1900s, and she would have wanted to keep her pins in a lovely box like this. :)
Thanks! Yes, that seems to be the consensus! I like old movies where EVERYONE wears a hat!
Yup, we are raising chicks, too.They are about half grown now and will join the rooster and older hens next week in the chicken house. It's lovely to see them grow and learn. By late fall we ought to be getting eggs. Bless those critters.
Thanks! Yes, same here. I just moved them out to the coop
A lovely idea to store your family treasures. I really enjoy your videos. Best Wishes
Thanks Allison!
can't wait till part 2. You have the skills of a surgeon! I love your content!
Thanks!
I’m going back through many of your veneer repairs. While I have repaired actually very old furniture for many years I am working on a personal project of restoring the veneer on an Edison hand crank phonograph with scrollwork and storage cabinet. It’s a behemoth and it has many large shaped rounded sides and edges which are just beginning to show the results of many years in the very dry eastern Washington open desert. Thanks for your informative, thoughtful and careful demonstration of going about a common sense restoration of modern veneers. This really helps me deal with the newer shapes and designs which I am not accustomed to working on. This phonograph cabinet is barely 108 years old…a mere historical infant. Thanks for stretching me yet again!
Thanks Theophilus! Sounds like an interesting job. Those curved surfaces are always challenging. Good luck!
I'm amazed at your skill, steady hands and patience.
Anyway, I'm sure you'll be interested to know that the Inner Dowsing Light Vessel still exists. It was built at Northfleet, Kent, England in 1840 and was in service until 1945. It has been restored and is, apparently, used as residential letting on the River Medway near Rochester, Kent, which is almost on my doorstep. I'll have to seek it out.
Wow! That's cool! Now bear in mind that the vessel shown is not a light vessel! The maker was the keeper of the Inn at Inner Dowsing. If you find it, please email a photo! thomasjohnsonrestoration @gmail.com
@@johnsonrestoration . Sorry about my late reply. I've located exactly where it is and it's located near a village called Borstal which is not too far from where I live. When I get the time I'll pop down there and try to get a photo for you.
That was meticulous work. Good job, Tom!
Thanks!
Beautiful restoration
Thank you!
Enjoyable as always. I appreciate how meticulous you are about things. Looking forward to the completion. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
The "Klampmeister" strikes again! ;-)
Always interesting, the ways you come up with to secure a piece..."I don't think I have room for anymore clamps.."
Thanks! I do really like getting the clamps “just so”
This is obviously a treasured and well loved family heirloom which couldn't be in better hands! It looks like it was definitely time for some Tom (and Ella!) TLC.
I am always appreciative of how careful you are with these restorations Tom, aiming to keep as much original material as possible even though it is definitely more fiddly and time consuming. Can't wait for part two :-)
Oh - and that chilled out fur seal at the start was a joy...he (or she) was definitely in their happy place, and so were those cutie cheep -cheepers in the "paint booth" I hope they grow up big and strong
Thanks! I appreciate it
Tom's patience is his greatest strength. Veneer repairs would drive me NUTS!
Thanks! I’ve always liked it!
Very very nice work. So glad to see period pieces like that getting the attention they deserve.
Thank you!
I love seeing how excited Ella is when she gets to be with you in the shop and I bet she is taking great care of the little chick's. As always your work is outstanding!
Thank you! She has no idea how lucky she is!
Thank-you for the lesson on fixing marketry. I have 2 simple squares marketry tables that are bubbled up in quite a few places. I can't afford to take them to a shop (if I could find one around here). So I may try your methods. Thanks again for your videos. I look forward to everyone of them
You have one of the best examples ever to pattern yourself after right here.
You might see if you can find a similar project to your tables to practice on before you start on your repair project.
Oh, and invest in lots of clamps!
@@judithburke1539 especially the clamps
@@judithfairchild8620 😀
You’re welcome! I think you should try. I like Judith Burke’s comment
Thanks! That’s a good idea
Lovely to see this beautiful little box. I'm looking forward to seeing the completed work and of course it will look pretty good. What a great guard dog . Even though Ella is not a Newfoundland dog she reminded me of Nana in "Peter Pan" checking on the chicks.
The chicks are so cute! It looks like you have 4 different breeds of chickens because of their different colors!
Looking forward to seeing the repairs on this sewing box completed and also the growth of the baby's. Take care everyone!
Thanks! Yes, I like Nana too
Thanks! I’m sure I’ll get more video of them as they grow
Such a small piece... such a great job!
Thanks!
Will be here waiting cheers from Tasmania. stay safe
Thanks! 2 weeks!
🙋♀️🐕Ella's is a very good girl! Lovely box! Can't wait for final results!
Thanks! Coming soon!
And that there ladies and gentlemen, is precision craftsmanship defined!
Thank you! You are too kind
What a beautiful sewing box, must have been made for someone he loved very much! I can't wait to see the rest of the repair! The biddies are adorable and glad to see they have such a good protector in Ella. ☺️👍💕
I'm pretty sure you are in the British Isles because in the US we call them chicks.😉
@@smckee9063 I'm a Brit and I've not heard "biddies". Might be very regional from which ever country... @Robin Rummel can't wait to find out... 🤔
I was raised in the PA Dutch country we called them “peeps” for obvious reasons.
@@bill90405 they certainly do go "peep"! We say "biddies" for sweet little old ladies, I wonder if it's that bustling motion they do that gives them that name... 🤔 I do love finding the origins of dialect words and accents. ☺️
@@judebrown4103 You are right, from the other comments it seems it is regional but I watched a British Island you tube where several people were calling them peeps. Didn't occur to me it was regional!
I always enjoy your videos so much. They are really relaxing. So much so that I fell asleep to this one. I may have missed the last ten minutes ... Thank you very much :^D
I'm going back to watch the end later :^)
Thanks! A lot of people have said they go to sleep watching my videos, I don’t mind, I think it’s nice
@@johnsonrestoration Ha ha, well, yes, they are relaxing :^) But also a joy to watch.
I work at a furniture factory making mostly chairs. It's a very high end brand from Denmark. Tiny family owned business but growing (it used to be bigger and the current generation, the third, is rebuilding to former glory). Because it's so high end we repair old chairs. We recently had a set of dining chairs made from rosewood. Of course I wasn't there that week, so I only saw pictures (sigh).
But what I'm trying to say, what I've learned from your videos is at the back of my mind daily, not only when we need to repair chairs, but also the final steps of finishing and making the chairs pretty, so to speak.
I'm not a professional, I'm a woodworking hobbyist (although I make chairs for a living), but I've learned so much from you and others, like Peter Follansbee, Paul Sellers, Rex Krueger, James Wright, Shannon Rogers, Nancy Hiller, etc. etc. So thank you :^)
Sorry, that got a little long-winded!
I love to watch these videos, they inspire me. I am reassembling a vintage car after 11 years of bodywork and paint, which i did not disassemble. They show me what two human hands are capable of!
Thanks! I am in awe of you guys who can restore vintage automobiles
You’ve probably been asked this before but, do any of your customers go and watch your work in these videos of the piece you repaired/restored for them? Also do you get customers who found you because of this channel? I know if I lived in New England and had antiques in need of some TLC, I know who I’d be taking them to.
Were I a client, I’d certainly watch. Although having worked with “the public”, in a sales/service capacity for 20 years, I can attest that the more clients see of your processes, the more negative, false conclusions they draw from it. This ignorance of process tends to make them nervous and sometimes even unduly aggressive towards you no matter how rationally and honestly you explain the situation to them. Perhaps I’m biased in this regard because of the type of people I had to deal with. It is probably not the same in Thomas’s case
@@mercoid given the effort Tom puts in I can't possibly imagine his clients would be upset watching his work. He clearly treasures their precious items. 😊
@@judebrown4103 ….I couldn’t imagine so either. But it’s amazing how crazy some folks are. Like I said, probably not so in Mr. Johnson’s business.
The patients and knowledge that is shown here impresses me very much. Backed by skill and on hand materials makes this man a true craftsman that obviously loves what he does. I can’t help but wonder what he charges and how he estimates his work. As to public I believe most would feel the same as my statement yet there will all ways be a armchair critic or client. I have found most people are impressed if you can make something from scratch or fix something they thought was beyond hope and hand it them. Which leads to hey I got so and so for you look at or make for this place or we will never fix this do you want it lol.
@@mercoid The trick is smelling out that type of person quickly (you get good at it) and then NOT working with them. Sorry…Too much backlog, it’s out of my range, I don’t have the needed tooling… whatever. Send them to your worst competitor.
Tom - I always love your veneering videos. I used to hate veneer, but after many hours of your videos I have come to change my stance. I am even starting to consider veener in my projects. No idea what happened except it must be the "Tom Johnson" effect!
Wow! Go for it!
Rocking the metric units!❤️
Really warmed my heart when he used superior metric units.
I’m trying!
Thanks!
Good job Ella! 👏
Good girl!
Such a delicate piece. The detail is fantastic. I’d love to see an inlay demo.
Thanks! I’m sure it will come up at some point
Despite any amount of care and time I would take, I'm sure I'd have snapped half of those repairs off when trying to pry them up, but you didn't - well done! Fantastic job! Thanks for sharing, Tom.
You’re welcome!
Well well well another masterpiece being restore by the master of restoration !!!
Thank you!
Love your video's I learn something all the time. Thanks for including adorable Ella and the peeping chicks!
You’re welcome!
A cliffhanger - love it! I can’t wait for the next video!
Thanks! Soon!
What a lovely piece of work. If he made that while on duty, on a light ship, a moving platform, it is even more impressive. And amazing and patient patch and repair work, but that almost goes withotu saying. Looking forward to the sequel. (and hope you had a good holiday) Thanks for making and posting these wonderful videos.
You’re welcome! He was the master of the inn at the point where the lightship was moored
There is much lifting of the veneer, it is quite the work to get it back to looking as much like original as possible. Beautiful sewing box!
Thank you!
Thomas: enjoyed watching you restoring the sewing box. A beautiful work of art. Can’t wait to see part two. Carol from California
Thanks Carol! Part two in two weeks
Wonderful video. Superb workmanship and engaging narration. I especially enjoyed your remarks/examples of rosewood. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
Tedious and delicate work Thomas but very satisfying results . Looks absolutely amazing again ….wonderful work my friend .👌
Thank you!
How timely--I'm working on a veneer nightmare with shrinkage problems, too. The fuchsia flowers inside the lid are delightful!
Thanks! Good luck with your project!
Another enjoyable video with Ella the ultimate shop dog. I miss raising chickens but current circumstances don't allow for it. It almost looks good already, Mr. Tom.
Thanks! I do like the chickens
What a beautiful piece to work on! I know the result is every bit as pleasing to you as the owner (if not more). This needs to be a showpiece in the owner's home! I can hear the babies peeping in the background, which seems in keeping with your love of nature.
Thank you! I really like those baby chicks and I’m glad the peeping came through in the background
Very interesting and enjoyable to watch.
Thank you!
I was glued the whole way through. And good watch dog. I can’t wait to see the rest
Very funny! Thanks!
As always great work, great video 😀
Thank you!
lovely, a couple of barred rocks in there!
Thanks! Yes, they are good layers
Hello Tom
Happy Weekend
The work you have put into this project so far is amazing.
Take care
Thanks!
Welcome back from vacation! I really enjoyed part one, and can't wait to see your masterful finishes on this box, Tom!
Thanks! In a couple of weeks!
Thank you, Tom.
You’re welcome!
Finally! A restoration video with a dog in the shop instead of a cat. 😋🤘🏻
Thanks! I couldn’t get the cat to sit still!
This is a beaut Tom. You'd make Job proud. Talk about patience and meticulous crafting. Loved watching Elsa. Now I'm being greedy but can you corral Orion? Thanks a ton for another gem Tom.
PS: Send us some of your rain. San Diego needs it - badly.
Thanks! We are just getting able to pet Orion, he hasn’t been picked up yet. I have friends here now from California and they’re actually taking video of the rain!
Well Tom brilliant as always, thank you, but oh! the suspense,!! Looking forward to the next episode, hope your'e well and enjoyed your holiday.
You’re welcome! Yes, a cliffhanger!
It still could be a jewelry box. Straight pins were used for a lot of things, including pinning on lace collars and cuffs, or flowers.
Thanks! That seems to be the general consensus!
Tom it's always great to see a new video from you. But with faithful Ella there and the baby chicks - am I in a Bob Ross video? But wait! what happened to Bob's hair? No it's definitely Tom. Still there is a connection. Bob has shared that his father was a carpenter and that he (young Bob) worked with his dad building houses in FL. I just recently noticed that Bob is missing about half the index finger on his left hand, he uses to hold the palette. Guess that makes him a bona fide member of the old carpenters club. But again, glad you've been careful and have all your digits though there are other qualities you share with Bob (his calm, his kindness, his gentle humor). I happily anticipate future videos.
Thanks Bill! I never knew about Bob Ross until people started comparing my videos to his show. It’s quite a compliment to be compared to him
@@johnsonrestoration Tom Thanks for your response. Yes Bob had a successful solo show for 31 years based on his craft, his personality and his affection for animals. So I think the comparison is fair. But now about that hair. . .
Love to see what you are doing to your barn. Our next big project is a barn/restoration and addition at our summer home in Maine.
Thanks! The barn is another story!
Millimeter-perfect restoration. I love it, thanks!
You’re welcome!
Wow - veneer repair 101. Some pretty tight work Tom. Good video.
Thanks!
Thanks for more of your wisdom and skills. I think I enjoy these finicky jobs more than the big jobs. Looking forward to the conclusion. 👍🏻🇦🇺😁
Thanks! I enjoy them too
I’m amazed at your patience!
Me too! Thanks
I really enjoyed watching this video. Unfortunately for you we were allowed to see the baby chicks at the beginning. Seeing them in the next video will set the timeline for how long it took you to complete the follow up video. It is good to see that you are willing to share your creative space with other 2 legged creatures. Keep up the good work. I look forward to part 2.
Thanks! You’ll see!
Nice job, nice video, what a nice sound track (chickens cry)!
Thanks!