April 28, 2010

Redeux is Back



Winter’s gone. Spring is here. The birds are back and so is Redeux!The Redeux “Garage” will open its doors for the new season again Friday morning, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at 9:00 A.M.

From then on you can stop by the Redeux workshop
Wednesday through Friday 12:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Remember to look for the signs or call 203-414-1727!

There are lots of interesting pieces including dressers, chests, cabinets, bookcases, coffee tables and chairs that have been refinished and restored these past few months. Also, there are a number of other pieces still being worked on – some to be painted. For these, color choices are still available.

During the past several months I have been busy not only working on the several pieces found during this past winter but also learning some new techniques and researching American furniture companies. It’s been a journey into the past and a look into the future.


Amesbury, Massachusetts is home to Chatham Furniture. Owner Paul Kapela and his partner, Russell recently gave me a tour of the factory. We went from the lumber receiving room to the assembly and finishing areas to the final inspection and shipping areas. Quality materials, skilled craftsmanship and attention to every detail were evident in each piece of furniture bearing the Chatham name. Because of my interest in restoring older furniture, I really wanted to see just how a Chatham piece was put together. Modern, state of the art, wood working machinery produces parts with incredible precision. Sanding is done in such a way that even the unfinished wood parts have a glass-like smoothness. Special stains and finishes are applied by a master craftsman. Each piece during manufacturing is inspected and re-inspected for quality. American materials. American craftsman. An American company. We own a piece of Chatham furniture – bought before ever having met Paul. It is, simply, one of the finest pieces of furniture I’ve ever owned. Having seen how it was made and having met the folks who made it makes it an even more treasured piece.
To view the Chatham Furniture catalog click here: Chatham Furniture
Paul or one of his assistants will happily answer your email enquiries about contacting a nearby Chatham dealer.

On another note, the famous and excellent Nichols and Stone Chair Company of Gardner, Massachusetts is no longer. Its designs and logo were sold to another company which may manufacture overseas. However, the quality of Nichols and Stone is gone forever. And, so are the jobs of its workers. The factory was demolished this past December. Redeux Vintage American Furniture will do everything possible to acquire and restore furniture from this wonderful American company.


I cannot say too often how important it is for us, all of us, to “Buy American”.  Please, support American manufacturing.

Hope you can stop by this weekend. I’m really looking forward to seeing you again!

Best regards,
Bill