Rescuing an Antique Butler's Chest & Bookcase - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- Опубликовано: 8 окт 2024
- Quarantine Special! 67 minutes of Tom! Today Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine shows us his painstaking restoration of this handsome antique butler's chest and its paired upper section, a charming secretary bookcase. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohns..., or write us at thomasjohnsonrestoration@gmail.com. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).
Today I must confess. When I watched your hour long video I could finally fall asleep. Don't get me wrong. I have trouble sleeping but after this one I am so completely satisfied and calmed and relaxed that I can go to bed looking forward to a good night sleep because I get to feel all is well and good in this world when there is people around that care about making it a better and more beautiful place. This is the perfect video to wipe away the worries. Thank you Tom!
You're welcome! Yes, it's amazing, so many have written with the same sentiments. I think it's great!
Yeah, I watch these before bed, not because they are boring, but because your methodical and calm approach is calming. Especially that you leave in set backs, like having to reglue a piece, makes it seem all the more down to earth and instructive.
I occasionally refinish or clean up a piece of furniture I come across, and I have stopped automatically refinishing everything after watching you and learning how nice a piece can look with a good clean, rub down, and finish repeat as needed.
Great comments!
Likewise Mr J. I forget about my sair bits ower ma body and rest peacefully and content. Ye are a star.
He has that ASMR thing going on. He makes people feel calm and relaxed, safe. He work is amazing. I love wood everything.
The mental fortitude required to not only repair that much veneer, but edit an hour's worth of footage of it, is nothing short of amazing!
Great work Tom!
Thank you!
And he owns Alpacas! What’s not to like!?
this kind of job makes me want to not use veneer ever. lol
@@bransky Had no idea, that makes him even more of a national treasure - for Americans.
"Each piece of tape represents the veneer" Here is the shot ruclips.net/video/sdZg15oRUXQ/видео.html
I've been an amateur craftsman and furniture builder for 50 years. I most enjoyed watching a master craftsman displaying a wealth of information and skill. Thank you very much for sharing.
You're welcome! I appreciate positive feedback from fellow tradesmen (and tradeswomen)!
One of the main things I appreciate about you and the way you approach restorations like this, other than your skills, is how you are sympathetic to the piece you are working on. Old pieces like this, have history and a story to tell, and you always seem to strike a good balance that lets the piece retain its history and stories..
Thank you, I appreciate it
"I think it looks pretty good" - humble words for stellar craftsmanship. I think it looks outstanding.
Thank you!
I second the motion!
You need some shirts that say “I think it looks pretty good.” On the back, logo on front :)
Mr Johnson is a magician. Seriously! Not just that, but a fantastic, wise, honest, super decent, intelligent man. I love this guy. Hats off! Stay safe!
Thank you! Such kind words. I appreciate it! (And I'm going to show this to my wife!)
I clicked into this wonderful restoration video early this morning….what a joy to see a craftsman at work. The hours of dedication bring a lesson of how patience and process bring about transformation. Thank you so much, sir!
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
Your hand work is priceless! I really enjoy watching you Sir. You are the Bob Ross of antique refurbishing and restoration
Thank you!
The most valuable tool in your workshop is your attitude of patience. Fine craftsmanship.
Thanks! I appreciate it
Seriously folks, you dont find this level of craftsmanship anymore. So much pride in his work. ❤✔👍🙏
Thank you! That's nice
I think we all can agree to call him Professor Tom. He's obviously a scholar and a gentleman.
And a judge of fine wines, and a lover of beautiful women!
Theres only a few of us left, and Im not too sure about some of the others.
Thank you! A bit of a stretch!
Now, this is true! Thanks!
For sure!
This warms my heart to read all these accolades for this ultra talented furniture restorer, repairer and builder. He does the most amazing restorations! Oh, yeah, I could do it except for one thing: I don't have enough clamps. Love watching this man do his magic.
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it!
A whole hour of Thomas Johnson Restoration - such a rare treat was just what was needed during lockdown. Excellent job as always Tom...your painstaking patience and expertise never cease to amaze me. Thank you!
Dave
You're welcome!
No me voy a cansar jamás de decir que usted, es un GENIO Y UN EXCELENTE RESTAURADOR !!!!!
¡Gracias! ¡Lo aprecio!
I've probably watched this video at least three times. I'm still amazed at your attention to detail and the skill displayed in the repairs. That shot with all the yellow tape was awesome!
Also my compliments for making the video full length, instead of just another youtube short fluff video!
Thanks! Yes, I'm trying so hard to show everything - the good, bad, and the ugly!
Agree, that yellow tape shot makes me wonder why I am so darn impatient!
Brilliant, over an hour long! How wonderful life is, right now...
Thanks!
You are one patient man! The end result is just glorious.Glad to see you are well and working!
Thanks! And I trust you are well also!
I've been waiting for a new video. Glad you're healthy!
Thank you! We are, and I hope the same for you!
What is wonderful about all the great comments from people all over the world is that I have never seen one negative comment. Yay Tom!
It is true! I have "fans" all over the world, never ceases to amaze me. I haven't gotten any negatives in a long time. But I don't mind them!
It's an honour to watch youworking , and bring back furniture to their original state, absolutely out of this world, what a treat.
Thanks!
I told my wife yesterday that I wish there’d be a Tom Johnson video, and here you are! Be well, Tom!
Gorgeous results!
That's great!
Thanks!
Another great lesson, including the bits that didn't go right first time. Real world vlog.
The way he recovers are the best bits.
Thanks 👍
Thanks!
an hour of this???? you made my day!!!!
Thank you!
Verizon
"Looks pretty good". Taciturn understatement. ❤️. It's very therapeutic watching you work. Thank you so much.
Mr Johnson is a magician. Seriously! Not just that, but a fantastic, wise, honest, super decent, intelligent man. I love this guy. Hats off!
Wow This was a big one. This one took more then 67 minutes I guess. A lot of gluing and clamping. How many hours did you work on this one?
Excellent job Tom! Great that the owners of that piece can see how much work went into its restoration.
Yes indeed! Thanks!
Just came across this channel knowing nothing of furniture restoration, but couldn't help but be amazed at what a labor of love this whole project is. Rather inspiring!
Thank you!
I am glad to see the work continues. You are the reason I tackled restoring the family Stickley Bros. oak rocker, and a Victorian mahogany bookcase cabinet that had been heading to the dump. Thanks for all you do, and stay safe!
You're welcome! That's great about the restorations
Just finished my hour of therapy with Dr. Johnson. We went a little over time but he didn't charge me. Once in a while his Lab assistant drops by and adds their two cents worth. The best thing is that Dr. Johnson does all the talking (and work), and I just watch and listen! Thanks a lot, Doc. Keep safe.
Good i am not the only one that watches this as therapy! I'll save a new one until after work or until Saturday to watch while cozied up on the couch with nothing else to do! 🍸
Man, I need to charge more! Thanks!
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Well that just made my day !. been waiting and checking for couple weeks now. every day now new video. And was starting to get a little worried, in lieu of whats going on around the world right now. Glad to see you are ok and doing fine and continuing to for fill our thirst for your expertise, skill and never ending level of knowledge. Thank you for all that yo do Tom, and best of all for sharing with us. Long life! God Speed. and thank him for you!. !
You're welcome! And thanks!
The saga of the loose veneer that never ended! Lol, the skill, the PATIENCE! It’s mesmerizing to watch the old become new again.
Thank you! You aren't kidding about the never ending part!
While the popular trend is to see amateurs refurbishing misused or older furniture, it pales to watching a master craftsman use his skills- you are that master craftsman, sir. To watch your passion for your craft is a pleasure to see. Thank you!
Wow, thanks! That's very nice
Unreal. An hour+ of Tom Johnson veneer repairs is just what the doctor ordered. ❤️
Thank you!
I wish i had just half of your skills. Its amazing how inspired I am to work with wood after watching your videos but i am about as handy as a cucumber. Ill continue to watch in awe.
Love your channel mate.
Thanks! I'm glad to inspire!
Thank you for your videos. I am going through a very hard time right now and I have a long way to go, and these are very interesting and soothing. Your projects, and your personality remind me that life is good and other people are a blessing. I really enjoyed your repudiation of "single use" foam brushes, for example, haha. Thanks again.
You're welcome! I hope you continue to improve, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
After studying dozens and dozens of your videos, Tom, I am always challenged to tackle something that is far beyond me. That is a good thing. Thank you for your work and your courage to share it with us.
Thank you! I appreciate it. It's great to be challenged though. I've got to learn something new everyday!
So fantastic that the broken veneer pieces were given to you!!!
There’s nothing more beautiful than real wood furniture, and to see them being restored to their former beauty is fantastic ❤️
I totally agree! Thank you!
Wow, a one hour monster! Perfect for our current times. And generous. Right, will put the kettle on. Time for a cup of ceremonial TJ tea :-) Hope you and family are safe and well.
Thank you! We are, and the same to you!
From Australia in ISO this is 1 hour of bliss. Thank you
You're welcome!
Beautiful repair and restoration! And I love the old brass! Wonderful luster, not a fake shine like new stuff. Same applies to finish on wood! The owner should be thrilled with the results! 👍💕
Thank you very much! And he is!
What better way to spend the quarantine than watching a patient master craftsman! Absolutely beautiful work Tom!
Thank you!
I think it's just delightful that this master craftsman has an unfixed squeaky screen door on his workshop. I really enjoy watching you work.
Thanks! That damn door...
❤️ A LIFETIME of taping and clamping in ONE project! Thank you for sharing your love and gifts of restoration.....makes "alone together" notso bad!!
Yes! Thank you!
An hour-long video from Gorham... Maine... During quarantine! Great way to finish the night!
Beautiful piece and brilliant work, Tom!
Wow, thank you!
You know, Tom, many of us would gladly watch all of this without the editing, even if it was 20 hours long! 🤗
Thanks! I should do that sometime! It would have a lot of me walking back and forth to the camera!
My first comment ever. After a long day of making sense of the world, an hour watching this glorious artist do his thing has been soothing and wonderful! Thank you.
You’re welcome!
When Tom says 'it looks pretty good' this means it looks FANTASTIC. :)
Thanks Cat!
This was an enormous job (34 shirts), and watching your fascinating and meticulous approach to restoring a piece of old furniture is a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing, from Australia.
I am so glad I'm not the only one who counts the shirts!
I don't even own that many work shirts........
I assume he gets rather dirty and dusty. Maybe Tom changes them during the day.
Oh I love the shirt counting! I'm surprised it wasn't more than 34!
And I've been told, "nobody's noticing the shirts!" Thank you!
56:20 "now remember, this is not a video about how to french polish, this is a video about me trying to french polish" says the most humble Master craftsman…
But it's true! Thanks!
You always say that
Tom, That was one of the most enjoyable hour's I have spent in some time. You are patient to the hilt with all those veneer repairs and it paid off extremely well. You say it look's pretty good I think it look's fantastic. Well done. Thank you. All the John.
You're welcome! I appreciate it
The epitome of patience. Where most people would just sand that shellac off once and reapply, Mr. Johnson did it four times. So impressed.
How or why would anyone give a 👎🏻 to this?
The guy is obviously a master craftsman in his trade. Fantastic job, Sir. 👍🏻🇬🇧
Thank you! Some one told me that a lot of times the thumbs down are from bots, that randomly do thumbs downs so that they appear to be human
I must say, you are a true artist and I think this piece is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever seen you do. You, sir, are an amazing restoration master.
Wow, thank you!
I only found your videos last week and I am so glad I did.
Your craftsmanship and patience are so impressive and I am enjoying watching all of your videos.
Thankyou for your work and these videos, they are very inspiring for me to keep doing wood restoration projects and relax the hell out of me after a stressful day!
He is truly an artist.
some of the most enjoyable watching you'll find.
Thanks and welcome!
Thank you! Although I respectfully disagree - I'm just a tradesman doing the best I can
Thanks! I appreciate it
I really enjoy your videos. You describe in great detail what you're doing with a well-modulated voice that reveals your passion for perfection. Your use of period materials and adhesives and your dedication to removing as little as possible of the original finish is truly astonishing. It's almost as if you're an archaeologist delicately unearthing a fossil. It's entirely the opposite of my line of work of maintaining metro railcars, where we rip out the old dead circuit and stuff in a new one. Thank you for these fascinating videos!
You're welcome! I appreciate your kind words
Tom, there aren't words to express how impressed I am. This turned out beyond better than I ever thought it could. You've out done yourself.
Thank you!
This is why I love watching your videos. 99% of the work is done by hand, not machines.
Thanks! Yes, I like that too.
I have watched this video several times. Your craftsmanship, patience, and attention to detail is so wonderful. It's lovely to see these venerable pieces be revived for the next generations. Thanks for bringing us along.
You're welcome!
Julian Baumgartner walks in
"I'm putting together a team..."
Yes, watching this reminds me of Baumgartner restoration. Same intensity and focus. Amazing.
Restorers Assemble!!!
Thanks! Yes, he is amazing
Thanks! I just used the same word for Baumgartner: amazing!
Yes! Sound the bugle!
I so enjoy watching you work! You do beautiful work and it’s so obvious that you restore pieces lovingly. Thank you for being a part of keeping American historical pieces of furniture intact and beautifully done. The piece ended up being absolutely gorgeous. Job very well done!
Thank you so much!
Yay a whole hour to forget about the annoyance of the times! Just started I'm sure it will be pretty darn good! Thanks for the timely post, need to soothe my nerves!
You are so welcome!
My older brother was apprenticed and became a cabinet maker at the Edinburgh firm Wytock and Reid. I remember him help repair a cabinet my parents had in the hallway. The last part of the repair was that the cabinet needed polished and he brought home a colleague, an older artisan, who brought what to me was a bag of magic material - old rags, a medicine bottle full of brown opaque fluid and what looked like steel wool tennis balls. I sat transfixed at the smell, the slow and rhythmic working of this old guy who patiently worked in figures of eight with the rags bound up tightly as golf balls polishing the cabinet - all with a bunnet (flat cap) perched on his head, wearing a brown coat and with an unlit fag (cigarette) hanging from his mouth to aid his concentration. These memories indelibly etched in my mind from 50+ years ago. This is probably why I enjoy watching your videos - Lang may your lumb reek Thomas.
Wow! Thanks for sharing! You just described the British version of my Dad
"I think it looks pretty good" - A master craftsman a master of understatement.
Thank you!
So many weeks of work condensed into an hour. Amazing! The finished furniture wonderful and masterfully restored. I love your attention to detail Tom.
Thank you so much!
The amount of work you put in really shows! Beautiful piece!
Thank you so much! 😀
Strangely addictive and you take 'painstaking' to a whole new level!
Thanks!
Everyone else is doing short videos, quantum field theory in five minutes. I so am glad you go to the effort to produce a meaningful video that allows us to appreciate the time and skill required in your work!
So nice of you! Thanks!
It's a total delight to watch you restore function and beauty to pieces of history. You are a true artist in every sense of the word.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
"I think it looks pretty good." I think it looks amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the entire process -- your precision and attention to detail is fantastic. Thank you for sharing your talent through these videos!
You're welcome!
Well Thomas, I think it looks pretty good as well! Great job and thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
The longest RUclips video I've ever watched from beginning to end. Just amazing work.
Wow, thanks!
In a world of one-click instant gratification - these videos prove that there is another end of the spectrum.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Absolutely beautiful! So heartwarming to see such precious pieces restorex to glory!
Thank you!
Incredibly satisfying to watch you go through this project. I have been doing alot of veneer work for painting frames and when I want to cut a corner I think of your work and I want to be quality. Thx
You're welcome!
When I saw there is an video of over an hour I was thrilled, no wonder we had to wait this long, this was no small task, it must have taken weeks to complete !
Now for some observations and questions !
I have been following you for a number of years and this is one of my absolute favorite channels ! If the following is your choice I respect it !
Never in all these years have I ever seen a sponsor on your channel, where are all the mega businesses, they support so many of these hotshot makers with their fancy workshops, I absolutely love your "working shop" ! They give away thousands of dollars worth of tools, cnc machines, router bits, clamps, saws, planers .... more than I can mention !! Why do they not come to bat for masters like yourself, I am sure you use rolls of tape, sanding paper, clamps saw blades, finishes, dust masks, so many consumables ... I have to admit, it is very disappointing !!!
But as I said, if you were approached and declined their offers, I respect your choice !!
Thomas, as always, thank you for making the effort to show us your skills !
Thank you! I am constantly asked to sponsor different products and tools. I have always declined for a number of reasons. And I'm not sure I can do it with my videos being"monetized" by RUclips. (the ads you see at the beginning)
Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I think that's very honorable.
Good video with lots of lessons, I needed a Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration fix more than the furniture you restored and this was a good one. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
It looks amazing! The skill, patience and knowledge of Thomas Johnson are exquisite and the quiet, calm way it is filmed is so relaxing.
Thank you! That's nice
Beautiful work! Always enjoying watching you bring a piece of the past back to life. Always amazed at the knowledge of color and finish matching you are able to do. Thanks again for taking the time to post your work and passing on some of those skills that you have acquired over a lifetime of restoration and repair.
Thank you very much!
That’s some nice work, Thomas! Watched a lot of your stuff this is one of the best. Cheers.
Awesome! Thank you!
The Ravensberger version of veneer repair. I loved watching that puzzle go together. Looks pretty good. Actually looked amazing.
Thanks!
It's been a while but I guess you have repaid us Master Thomas with this amazing long and detailed video restoration.
Thank you Sir.
You're welcome!
Your patience is what makes your work so perfect!
Thank you!
Master of understatement. “”Looks pretty good.” NO . It looks AWESOME.
Thank you!
well isn't this just a treat? it's like trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle...end result is a very nice restoration. Thank you from Australia.
Thank you! Cheers!
This is outstanding! Enjoyed every minute and can only imagine how ecstatic the owner must be.
Thank you! He is!
Incredible piece of repair and patience, though I think the whole movie was to show how many clamps you can use on one repair job!!
And I'm going to invest in the company that makes that yellow tape!
Thanks! Absolutely!
Good idea! Thanks!
Absolutely brilliant restoration! My uncle had an antiques business in Spain and had a repair and restoration workshop of his own. Always fascinated and sticking my nose into everything, I therefore grew up with the smell of sawdust, acetone, shellac, turpentine, alcohol, bubbling pots of hide glue, varnish, beeswax and lots of other unctions and concoctions that I can't recall. He had two and sometimes three talented craftsmen doing much the same as you do. BUT, having watched several of your fascinating videos, I am absolutely convinced that you stand head and shoulders above any other master craftsman restorer that I've seen, and being a director of a provincial museum, I can categorically assert that your work is easily of museum quality! Moreover, you're an inspirational teacher and great narrator, tutor and raconteur. Bravo Tom, and thank you for recovering, restoring and preserving our heritage. Best wishes from UK and Spain! 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏
Thank you Frederico! That is high praise, and I appreciate it! Speaking of concoctions, my dad's shop had that same particular smell, shellac and turpentine, and once in awhile I will get that in my own shop and wow does it take me right back. If I can ever bottle some of that I'll send it to you!
Mr. Johnson, you are a treasure. Thank you for making these videos.
You're welcome!
You did such a beautiful job! This was definitely a labor of love. Thank you for the hour long video too! Made my night!
You are so welcome!
Amazing thank you for such a enjoyable video in these difficult times , I hereby decree you are the King 👑 of Clamps 🗜
You're welcome! yes, I like that!
A guy can always use more clamps
WOW. Amazing repair, and after polishing its back to being an heirloom again. I would love to see you do a video just on polishing and furniture care, most store bought polish doesn't last a week it seems. Thanks for all the wonderful videos.
You're welcome! here's a video: ruclips.net/video/apP9-52SmXk/видео.html
You've restored the dignity to that wonderful piece
Thank you! I like that
Today, we are going to learn the art of scraping, gluing, and clamping....followed by a tutorial in the science of sanding, shellacking, and staining.....topped of with an absolutely beautiful restoration. Your skills, dedication to craftsmanship, and especially your patience is a godsend. Best wishes and stay healthy Tom....and a hug for the black Lab!
Thank you! Will do!
I always wonder how would be the reaction of the customers when they received the furniture restored....Priceless!
That's the best part! Thanks!
That was exactly what I was thinking. Some much care and love went in to restoring this piece, a customer reaction would be a fitting end.
I've always wanted to know what to do with an Antique Butler! Seriously, a great video.
Good question! What about the butler?
I love how who ever possessed these pieces brought them in about one month before they turned into compost! This one's not that bad, but you have rescued others that were much worse. Great work requiring skills and patience out of the ordinary human's capacity! Carry on! Time after time you prove the old woodworker's adage, You can't have too many clamps.
Thank you! So true re clamps! I appreciate your kind words
I both admire and appreciate your patience and care with this restoration. Most people would have simply thrown out the old veneer and replaced it with new. My hat's off to you. Beautiful job. 👍
Thank you! I appreciate it!
It is a pleasure seeing a master craftsman at work Thomas. You are passing on knowledge that would otherwise possibly die out.
Thank you!
First class, as always. Such patience with all those veneer repairs, it made me tired just watching it. Inspirational videos.
Thank you!
A question: what is the difference between a 'secretary' desk and a 'butlers' chest? Is it age, period?
Thanks! Well, a secretary could be any desk, a Butler's has the desk that looks like a drawer. This is American Empire, 1830 or so
@@johnsonrestoration is the Butler the name of the company that made those (i'm from Europe, is it an American manufacturer?)... Thank you
You must be a real whizz at jigsaws.
Thanks! It's funny, I have always hated jigsaws puzzles, I don't know why
@@johnsonrestoration You don't like to waste your time.
I love how you include your mistakes, it helps to see how us mere mortals can recover from their mistakes. Also, like your brief outtro to review the work and would love to see more dog content! Great to see your shop companion. Initially, I would have thought to keep the metal pieces original yet after you brought them back to life they did look incredible. Your work to match color and detail is very fun to watch.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! Yes, more dog!
Stunning, absolutely a gift, just to find a piece of that quality, but to be able to witness the process of it being restored to its original glory. Has really been a treat.
That's great! Thanks for watching