This past week several pieces of furniture that seemed to have serious problems turned out to be real treasures and, in one case, was the impetus to explore offering another level of beautifully restored Redeux vintage furniture.
The first piece to drive me a bit crazy was a compact chest or console (see the "before photo above and the "after" photo at top of this Posting). Very different from most anything I’ve had so far, this piece mixes woods – solids and veneers, styles – carved drawer fronts mixed with carved and molding details elsewhere, and turnings. And somehow it all comes together into a really eye-catching piece of art furniture. The first problem encountered was the chipped top veneer. Having experienced this before with other pieces such as “The Three-Legged Dog” (see previous posting), this piece had something about it that demanded it be saved and preserved as best as possible rather than scraped. This required first a very careful removal of years of old shellac / varnish. Next was re-staining the top and applying several coats of shellac. The top was then finished with a hand waxing. The drawers, once so badly covered in grime that the type of wood could not be determined, were restored to reveal the carvings and moldings. The base, with its wonderfully turned legs, was likewise restored. This piece will be fitted with a glass top to protect it for years to come.
Restored and immediately placed with a new home was a coffee table with carved legs and leather top. Several days in the Redeux Spa fixed a mahogany top that had been badly damaged by water / liquids and rejuvenated the leather top that had wear and tear typical of 60 -70 years or older leather. The Redhead was sorry to see this baby leave.
One of the benefits of Redeux is the interaction with all of you. Ideas, suggestions and lots of encouragement have been given to me and all of it is appreciated. Last week Gina came by to look at several painted pieces. While looking at them she noticed the tall dresser that seems to have a Dutch influenced design, stained a brown-orange (sounds odd but really works well with this piece) but has a painted top. It is the top that does not work and has been awaiting just the right approach to fixing it. Gina suggested painting a design on it rather than a solid color. The “Aha” moment had arrived. Next week a noted area folk-artist will take a look at it and we’ll come up with a solution that will make this piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. If interested in this piece let me know.
Recently arrived at Redeux are:
A very nice secretary desk made by the old Maddox Tables and Colonial Reproductions of Jamestown, NY. It’s in very nice condition and has the key to lock the top and each of the drawers!
A drop leaf gate-leg table will be undergoing the treatment soon. This piece promises to be a real beauty.
Finding a Bent Bros. chair is always nice and I just found a nice little maple chair that has some nice turnings. Bent Chair Company went out of business about ten years ago and is yet another of the great Gardner, MA furniture manufacturers gone forever.
For those having an office or classroom setting and in need of a filing cabinet, I have one for you. Made of oak with a glass front, this cabinet stands about six feet high and has storage below the numbered file slots. Artists and collectors may find this piece useful, too. Beautiful and different!
Bring the spa to your home with an “Astro-Bilt” make–up table and chair. Dating from the early 1950’s, ladies can paint their nails using the convenient swing out arm rests for ultimate comfort! It comes with a nice low-backed chair.
If you have a piece of Redeux furniture we'd love to have a picture of it where you now have it and are using it. Stop by with a photo anytime or just email it to me. The Redhead and I would enjoy having a display showing where all our little treasures have found new homes and new uses!
As always, your comments and suggestions are very welcomed and appreciated.
Looking forward to seeing you very soon!
Bill
