Teachable Moments

Working with wood often results in teachable moments - if we pay attention.

Chopped, sliced, ground down, cut to pieces - trees of oak, cherry, maple and every other variety have become the things of beauty found at Redeux Vintage Furniture. 50, 75, 100 and more years old, they have outlived those that took them from the forest and those that changed them. Interesting what happens when change comes. Weak, defective trees can wind up as scrap. Strong ones with character can wind up as things of beauty – more useful because of the change than without it. A teachable moment? Maybe. 

Work continues at Redeux. We’ve had to change some plans regarding our painted furniture. Our “artist series” has been postponed – for now. We are, of course, continuing with our cottage - painted pieces.

Our latest painted piece is a “Hoosier” style cupboard. Made in the 1930’s, this piece was likely manufactured by the Sellers Company. These cupboards came in various styles and originally were part of a mid-west (thus, Hoosier) grocery chain’s marketing scheme. Points were awarded to customers so they could buy one of these cabinets at a “discount”.  Of course, since they had various shelves, bins and cubbyholes for food items the owners would become more frequent and loyal customers of the grocery store. Decades later Plaid, Green and other “bonus stamps” would be given out by other grocery store chains to redeem for merchandise. But, nothing was quite like getting a Hoosier cabinet. This interesting piece of Americana would be a nice addition to a kitchen or even a sun-room potting area. It has been cleaned and given an updated paint job (from a poor job added sometime in the 1950’s or so). The original enamel work top surface is intact. 

For you Mission Furniture aficionados we now have a desk in excellent condition. It has original hardware, side book shelves and great patina. It’s a real beauty.

For end tables we have a few interesting pieces in. A “Jamestown Lounge Company” oak table is a solid beauty with interesting carvings. It also has a drawer and a storage shelf. 

Another is an oak table with elegantly shaped legs, bent wood elements and a center drawer. A matching pair of mahogany tables should be ready very soon. The grain on this pair is exceptionally beautiful. Stop by to take a look – even before it is given the “spa treatment”. 

For those interested in some useful collectibles we have just gotten in a rather large assortment of jars - of various sizes, shapes and designs - that came from a tobacco shop. Most have the original labeling on them with the names of the tobacco. A few can be seen on the photo of the Hoosier cabinet.

I’m working on all the special items many of you have asked for. Wendy, Emily, Kathy and Joanne – I’m working overtime!!

This coming week, October 2 through 6, Redeux will be celebrating our “Year and a Half Anniversary”. Yes, we’ve been here for one and a half years already! We’ll be having some “very specials” on many items, refreshments and “The Redhead” will be here on Saturday the 6^th to greet you all. 

Finally, let me ask each of you to please spread the word about Redeux. If you like what we do tell a friend.  If there is something we can or should have done better – please tell me.

Hope to see you soon. Don't forget to stop by during our "Year- and- a- Half Anniversary" Celebrations!

Bill

Where have you been?

Where have you been?

A question you may have asked of me since it’s been a few weeks since my last posting. It’s also a question I’ve been directing toward several of the new arrivals at the shop.

For the past year, visitors to the "inner sanctum" of Redeux – “the spa” – have glimpsed a rather large object that has been kept under wraps. Some may have even seen some of its detail carvings or the remnants of a somewhat shattered foot poking from the protective blanket.  Its size alone was enough to cause the procrastination of the work needed to be done. But, more daunting was the fact that I knew that this particular piece was really something. It had a history – even if I didn’t know what, exactly, it was. Pieces like this weren’t made for a mass market or a casual buyer. O.K., so what is it? 

It’s art, created in a bookcase. Standing at about 6 feet tall, it has double glass doors and several shelves. And, original glass, waves and all. Its varied-grain oak perfectly fits into its Victorian design. But, the carvings. The carvings give it life. 

The open-mouthed lions carved into the center and front edges have guarded generations of books. My work on this piece is nearly done. I know my limits. I also know that with a piece of furniture such as this, less is definitely better. All that remains is a final buffing, re-installing the shelves and getting a better idea of its pedigree. And, then its journey will continue.

Redeux, as you know, focuses on vintage rather than antique. This past month, however, several furniture pieces that are true antiques have made their way to our shop. Some called out to me. Some were entrusted to us to restore and to then find them new homes. It’s a trust I do not take lightly. So, our collection right now has a lot of pieces not usually found in many shops, certainly not at Redeux.

Mid and late 19^th century farmer’s tables - in cherry with turned legs and in oak with heavily reeded legs, 

a painted Victorian era plant/side table with marble top and  an elegant flame mahogany Empire chest of drawers

 – all of these periods and pieces - and more - are now at Redeux.  

To each of these pieces I had asked, “Where have you been”? Now, I wonder, where will they go?

In my last posting I mentioned  Lauren Aronoff, the artist whose latest collection of work, both on canvass and furniture, will be unveiled at an upcoming show at Redeux. Watching Lauren at work these past several weeks reminds me of a book I read some time ago that was a collection of essays edited by Gregory F. Pierce – “Of Human Hands: The Spirituality of Work”. Whether she is painting a garden scene, a single flower, an abstract or her favorite animal friend, Ms Aronoff brings something very special to her work. Watch for the announcement of her upcoming show.

While I may not have posted on this blog for a few weeks, you all were certainly on my mind. Whether scouting for special items to fulfill as many requests as possible or working in "the Redeux spa" to give just the right makeover to each piece of vintage furniture, you were in a very real sense right there with me. Without you Redeux would not be possible. Thank you for your support, encouragement and ideas. If you'd like to post something on this blog or send me an email, your comments are always welcome

Speaking of thanks, Gary Wood  garyrwood.com   gets a special thank you for providing me with some very special varnishes and wax. This past month these materials proved their worth in gold on the Empire and farm table pieces. 

Also, Jim Young of Old Gold Furniture Restoration in Black Rock was helpful in advising me on a few pieces. 

Of course, The Redhead. Without her...nothing...

Looking forward to seeing you soon. Tea is always on!

Bill

Standing the test of time

Wednesday, November 19, 1930. Talk of imminent European war was predicted by former Ambassador Henry Morgenthau. A parachute for safely lowering airplanes experiencing “engine difficulty” was successfully tested at Wright air field. Rail freight loadings, an economic indicator, were down for the month and year. All this in that Wednesday’s edition of the Wall Street Journal.

What wasn’t published was news of a particular birth in Altavista, Virginia. Being a mountain girl, Carrie was born for a rugged life. Yet, her family had a lineage of some nobility and traces of a Jacobean past were evident from the day of her birth. Her family, the Lane’s, knew that Carrie's strength would not eliminate her beauty and grace. It was a part of her. Carrie traveled a bit, held several jobs and is now a still young 82 years of age. She has kept her beauty because, from the very start of her life, she associated only with the finest of folks. Even when she left her mountain home, people saw she was special and treated her with deference.  Carrie is now willing to show others how being strong is a thing of beauty. 

A bit older than Carrie is another gal that has grown more beautiful with age. Defying the usual ravages of time, Victoria has likely enjoyed spending afternoons in a garden room.  She’s enjoyed afternoon teas, reading alone and with children and quiet times enjoying the company of other gentle souls. And, still, she’s not hard on the eyes at all. As several ladies, who had stopped by the Redeux Spa before Victoria was ready for her new debut, said, “What a beautiful shape”. I certainly agree.

Just in case you start thinking that I’m spending too much time with the ladies, let me assure you that the men have kept me busy, too.   

Currier and Ives have required a bit of attention and so has a very clever little tailor.  

Made of oak, sturdy yet lightweight, this little fellow is now retired from tailoring and ready to hold lamps, pictures or other collectibles. 

Some smaller, yet no less beautiful, pieces that have just come in are several wood boxes with various inlays, designs and shapes. Great for bureau tops to keep things tidy, on a knick- knack shelf and they also make nice little gifts for friends.

We also have several carved wood ducks and an authentic, vintage floating decoy. Great for your favorite outdoors-man's bath time.

and an elegant pair of Georgian brass candlesticks.

And now for some very exciting news. 

Have you ever met someone who had so much talent that you knew they were special? Have you ever met that type of person when they were just starting out on their life’s journey? 

The Redhead and I have recently met an artist whose work is, well, so many things: beautiful, insightful, touching. Her uses of colors and shapes are refreshingly new. Several of the pieces I have seen are…stunning. Seriously. They will stand the test of time.

Debbie and I are very pleased and honored that painter, Lauren Aronoff, has agreed to use some of our furniture pieces as her painting “canvases”. In addition, we will carry some of her work on canvas and other mediums. Ms. Aronoff’s work will be shown here at a reception/opening planned for September. Details will be forthcoming. Redeux List recipients will also be notified directly by email. This will be an event not to miss.  Lauren Aronoff, painter. Very special.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill

What do you do?

What do you do?

Each of us has been asked that question. When the question was recently put to me the response that initially came was that I owned a vintage furniture shop. But, is that really what I do? I don’t think so.

Every “buying” trip the Redhead and I make turns into an adventure. We don’t just look for stuff. In many ways we seek… America. Now, before you get the idea that this is just pre-Independence Day sentimentality, let me assure you it is not.

Turn of the century to 1950’s furniture and furnishings reflected a time period in which we witnessed wars, The Great Depression, boom times and simple times. All of it leading up to a style that  Tom Wolfe described as, from Bauhaus to Our House. 

wash stand circa 1900

The American furniture of the early 1900’s was designed to serve the needs and tastes of Industrial tycoons, a middle class and even the newly arriving immigrants - needing only sturdy, reliable furnishings. All of it had style and, by much of today’s standards, an elegance. Certainly and thankfully, it was made to last.

ladies writing desk circa 1920's

Need dictated what would become more common. Chiffarobes came into more widespread use when clothing became more plentiful but homes still had limited closet space. Now, closets have, seemingly, become rooms onto themselves. Desks and bookcases went from fairly rare handmade pieces to mass produced necessities when letter writing was an art and books were found in every home. Flat screens, on the wall and in our laps, seem to have replaced both. Or have they? Certainly our customers at Redeux have a sensibility for things measured beyond that of megapixels. 

So. What do I do? Perhaps, historical preservation best describes it - Learning something of the history of America through the things we used and doing my best to ensure that they continue to be preserved and used. I’m honored that you’re joining me.

Other than waxing philosophical, I have been able to get some work done these past couple of weeks.

Empire bookcase

A late Empire period mahogany bookcase is ready. It has double glass doors, adjustable shelves and stands 62” high and 36” wide. Ample sized, but not overpowering. Being late Empire it has the signature curves and corbelling but its lines are simpler than some early pieces.

White Sewing Machine marble top table

A nice conversation piece, as well as being very functional, is a table fashioned from a cast iron “White Sewing Machine” base and marble top. It is very charming and the marble adds a touch of elegance. Great as a side or plant table.

farm style gate-leg drop leaf table with chairs

You asked for it! We’ve received several requests to find a nice farm-style table. We now have one. Made of beautiful pine, the table has gate-leg drop leaves and is 6 feet in length. It comes with two arm chairs and four side chairs. All have rush seats. This is a beautiful set.

Oak office chair (2)

For the home office, we have obtained two sturdy oak chairs with arms. Nicely proportioned and comfortable.

Westinghouse vintage table fan

Chill, baby! Our vintage Westinghouse and General Electric table fans will make you look and feel cool. Hold onto the cat, though. These babies really move the air!

country table oak stain and chalk paint

Just finished is a really nice little oak table with drawer. This was really a “rescue job”. Funny, all the little dings and scratches now add a real character to its color-restored natural finish top and farm-white chalk painted legs and skirting. This would be a beautiful kitchen or accent table or a fantastic desk.

This weekend, June 23rd, we’ll be having another demonstration of our special “chalk painting”. The Victorian table that was painted black will have an interesting pattern added to it. Stop by and see the work being done. The Redhead will be here, too! On June 30th many of our fellow Black Rock Merchants will be having another Saturday at the Rock event. Don't miss this one!!

Now a question. Would you like Redeux to carry vintage jewelry? Perhaps some jewelry pieces made from vintage parts? We've been approached with the possibility of having this in our shop. Please let us know if this would be of interest to you.

Hope to see you soon. Stop by, see what's being given "the spa treatment", have a chat over tea/coffee.

Bill

What a month!

What a month it has been!

Certainly, it has been too long since my last blog posting. And now it seems that there is so much news - I’m not sure where to start. So…

Many of our blog readers have been calling and writing wanting to know what that “special vacation” was all about. And why the "travel" photo in the last blog. Well, The Redhead is now Mrs. Redhead, so to speak. Debbie and I were married on April 14 and went together to Italy, a place we both long dreamed of separately... and wound up sharing together.  Life is sure full of surprises!

Following our trip we had the pleasure of having family stay with us for a while. My son, his wife and two children brought a special energy to our home. Granddaughter Adriana, age 5, also showed an interest in being with her "Grandpa" at the shop. The following photo is of us working on a small table that had a chess board stencil applied to its new cottage-style paint finish. Adriana understood that the piece would be going to a new home, so she listened well and carefully did her "assigned  job". The memories of that afternoon together in the Redeux Spa will remain with us forever.

Now that things are back to a somewhat regular schedule, work is progressing on several fronts. The Redeux Spa is working overtime! 

In addition to the chess table we have just finished a lovely cottage painted table that may be used as a vanity, hallway piece or accent table. It is painted on top in a creamy white – using our special Redeux Paint with a hand waxed finish. The legs and drawer knobs are stained and varnished. It is simple, yet quite stunning with the nice contrast in finishes.

The Ladies Writing Desk, mentioned in the last post is now fully ready. The inlay with mother of pearl and matching chair, make this a very special find.

 

 

 I’m now working on an interesting art-deco period high-boy chest with lift-up top. It may be ready (or nearly so) by this weekend.

Speaking of this weekend, Redeux and several other merchants and restaurants in Black Rock have started an informal association. We now number quite a few businesses and are launching our endeavor with a special "Saturday at the Rock” event this coming Saturday, June 2^nd! Starting in the morning and going ‘til late, there will be special sales at many Black Rock merchants, special food items at the restaurants (and there are many new ones just recently opened), street artists, music and more!! The Field Restaurant will also be conducting a special fundraising St. Baldric’s event for cancer research all day. Lots of food, music and fun there – just across the street from Redeux.  Redeux will be having a store-wide sale – 10% off everything – just for this Saturday. We’ll also be demonstrating our cottage painting starting at 10:00 A.M. Several pieces in our Redeux Spa “holding area” are likely candidates for getting the special treatment.

Finally, thanks to you all. Redeux has just been notified that we have won the Fairfield County Weekly Readers Poll 2012 for Best Vintage Shop in Fairfield County!!! Quite an honor for being in business for just one year. There is a very nice interview/article in this week’s issue about our work, Click Here: Readers Poll

Also, we will be interviewed on the Jim Buchanan Show, WICC Radio 600 AM, this Friday, June 1^st, between 5:30 and 6:00. P.M. Tune in! We were on Jim Buchanan’s program last year and it was a lot of fun. It must have brought us luck!

Hope to see you  at "The Rock" this coming Saturday. Listen in on Friday: WICC 600 AM.

Bill