January, 2012. It’s the start of a new year and at Redeux a
star has been born. But, first things first.
Folks that have visited the shop within the past two weeks
have seen our new front end counter and display layout. This arrangement
actually gives us a bit more display area, especially in the front end of the
shop by the window.
Readers of past Redeux blogs may remember my mention of Gary
Wood, furniture builder, restorer and wood worker extraordinaire. Gary stopped
by Redeux this past Friday to take a first-hand look at the shop. Gary viewed
the pieces up in the shop and then we toured the downstairs “spa and holding
area”. Gary provided some tips and insights about the various furniture pieces.
Gary’s attitude toward antique and vintage furniture is to preserve. When
restoration is required, take no shortcuts. He loves the “old wood”. The Victorian writing desk, the Empire
bookcase and several other pieces we looked at will benefit from his suggestions.
Gary also gave me a sample of a new varnish that he is formulating and I can’t
wait to use it on just the right piece. Gary gives classes every few months at the
Woodworkers Club in Norwalk. You can view his website at: http://www.garyrwood.com/.
In addition to having built the new counter and reorganizing
the downstairs “spa” these past couple of weeks, I actually did finish some
pieces. Just done is a simple, yet attractive, wood bookcase. It is 48” tall
and made of pine. It has a warm walnut stain and a special topcoat that will
give it many years of beautiful durability. Some nice iron floor lamps are also ready.
Work begins in earnest this coming
week. You’re always welcome to stop by, request a special piece be moved to the
head of the line for getting the Redeux Spa treatment, chat or share a cup of
coffee (tea in the afternoon!).
And, now for how a star was born at Redeux.
Some of you may have heard The Redhead singing here in the shop.
Her voice is, I think, angelic. Well, this Friday afternoon (at the time Gary
Wood was also visiting the shop), two Broadway scouts came into Redeux. This
could be the Redhead's big chance, I thought. But, alas, The Redhead wasn’t here. What
did attract these two property scouts were several pieces of Redeux furniture –
a couple of chairs and the painted farm table, pictured at the top. So, while The Redhead may have
missed her chance, these pieces will be "acting" along with Phillip Seymour
Hoffman, Linda Emond and Andrew Garfield in the new Broadway production of
Death of a Salesman at the Barrymore Theatre. Thus, a star is born at Redeux. You
can see these Redeux pieces and the rest of the cast of Death of a Salesman at the Barrymore starting in February. You might be
able to hear The Redhead at Redeux next week.
Stop by soon – or see you on Broadway!
Bill
