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Restoration Gallery


Victorian Gallery

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Edwardian Partners Desk Restored

Edwardian Partner's Desk

This Edwardian Partner's desk, the prize possession of a local CEO, arrived in a depressed condition. The skirt was rapidly loosing veneer, a finish almost gone, stains on the leather desk surface, and wood dry and brittle - especially the drawer bottoms. Restoration included a complete finish conservation, replacement of the pedestal skirt veneer, moisturizing of the piece, and removing the stains from the leather top.

Edwardian furniture, later Victorian period, is hitting a major jump in value in the collectors market. Where previously these pieces were tossed to the curb, the past ten to twenty years has shown a resurgence in popularity making restoration of these well made desks a wise investment.

After Photos Edwardian Partners Desk Before Photos Edwardian Partners Desk


Edwardian Desk in Burl Walnut

Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Before Restoration

Photo above before

Photo below after

Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk After Restoration

These photos illustrate a classic scenario, a veneer piece refinished probably 20-25 years ago in lacquer. The unit is in excellent structural shape, requiring only minor attention to one drawer bottom.

However, the veneer is now choosing to leave it's host as previous stripping and application of lacquer finishes with drying agents failed to provide the much needed moister to keep a piece alive.

This time the existing finish must be removed to properly treat this piece, using appropriate chemicals to revitalize the veneer and help prevent cracking, flaking, and peeling ... not to mention uncover the true beauty of burl walnut which is lost under the plastic shine of lacquer. Shown above to the left, our process will fill these cracks and impart oils into the material to slow the process of deterioration.

Cracking Burl Walnut Veneer

Note the cracking towards the center right.

Replacing the lost veneer from physical abuse, and filling in the cracks will bring this piece back to life. A renewed appeal from a hand rubbed shellac and tung oil finish inside and out will seal the deal and allow this well crafted piece to last into several coming generations.

Water damage, lost veneer, etc ... all can be restored.

Before

Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Before Restoration Right Leg Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Before Restoration Apron
Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Before Restoration Drawer Bottom Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Before Restoration Top Veneer

After Photos

Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Restoration Complete Right Pedestal
Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Restoration Complete Side
Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Restoration Complete Surface
Edwardian Burl Walnut Desk Restoration Complete Drawer Front


Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary

Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Restoration Complete Whole View

This is an outstanding example of an Eastlake design, with excellent graining in the wood. There is a dramatic upswing in the value of these early Victorian pieces.

This unit came in literally in pieces, the base unit seemed to have not one joint intact. Very common, this era of furniture, although displaying great attention to detail in selecting the best woods, employed limited technology in machine made joints.

Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Restoration in Progress Side PanelCirca 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Restoration in progress Clamps on LegCirca 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Restoration Complete Cubbie View

The furniture was designed for easy manufacture of parts and assembly. The result is many pieces simply fell part in time. Repaired time and time again, but usually coming apart again with joints relying on inadequate glue.

Our task included fully disassembling the base, cleaning the joints, and reassembling the piece along with a full finish conservation.

Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Before Restoration Whole View
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Before Restoration Cylinder
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary = Befpre Restoration Inside Back
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Before Restoration Leg
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Side Panel in Clamps
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Before Restoration Shelves
Circa 1860 Cylinder Walnut Secretary - Retoration in Progress


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Artisans of the Valley
Hand Crafted Custom Woodworking

Stanley D. Saperstein
Eric M. Saperstein
Our studio and showrooms are open by appointment.
Please call ahead so we don't miss you!
(609) 637-0450

Fax (609) 637-0452

e-mail: woodworkers@artisansofthevalley.com
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