Maine Writers

Last week, several days were spent up in Maine. In addition to visiting family, it was hoped that two other purposes would be fulfilled. First, that some of the special request items asked for by many of you could be found. Secondly, I really wanted to discover some new sources of interesting vintage furniture. The trip was a great success!

Many of you have been asking for something a bit different – interesting, unusual and functional furniture pieces. Desks and accent pieces were among the most asked for items.

The first little treasure found was a country table / desk. Painted black with some gold leafing and muted color stenciling this piece also has a nice center drawer and interesting scrolled back piece. It is accompanied by a complimentary chair, also painted in black. Both pieces display decades of use and color changes, yet remain sturdy and now ready for new life in a variety of settings.

The second piece is one of the more surprising that I have found in some time. At first glance it appeared to be a tall chest of drawers made of mahogany. It had some nice lines and seemed it would be worth the effort of the refinishing it badly needed. But, surprise, surprise! This was no ordinary chest of drawers. One of the “drawers” actually folds down and, with a gentle pull, reveals a very nice desk, complete with cubby holes. This was a first for me. This chest is made by Shower Brothers Furniture, at one time the largest manufacturer of furniture in the United States. The company was an innovator of many types of furniture. But, more importantly, was an innovator of workplace conditions for its many employees. It was founded in the late 1800’s and survived until the 1940’s.  Stop by and take a look at this piece. If interested, I will make every effort to have it ready before Christmas.

Another interesting piece that was recently finished is a mahogany chest, circa 1925-1935, that has Bakelite drawer handles and inlays of various woods. The curved top is quite unique and adds another dimension to this beautiful chest of drawers.

Several of you have noticed the white painted chest with the mirror standing in the back of the shop for several weeks and awaiting some TLC. Well, this petite, 1930’s era chest has been given the attention it needed. It has been given a facelift with the lightest shade of lemon chiffon paint and has had its mirror reinstalled. “Carolyn” is now ready for a new home and she promises to make any room feel like a cottage at the Cape. She is named after Carolyn, the young lady at the Traveler Bookstore Restaurant in Union, CT. Carolyn has been very helpful to me in locating books on refinishing and American made furniture from among the numerous volumes for sale in the Traveler’s Bookstore. It’s always one of our favorite “must do” stops on our trips to Maine. It is located just south of Sturbridge Village along I-84. After last week’s stop coming back from Maine, my library now includes a great book on refinishing period antiques and Shaker furniture design and finishes. Thanks again, Carolyn.

As the colder weather becomes more frequent, some of the work at Redeux may need to be done indoors rather than out in the shop. So, if you don’t see me out in the garage, I’m probably working in the lower level workroom inside. Just ring the doorbell.

Looking forward to seeing you again, soon!

Bill