(Click on the pictures below to enlarge them)
Christian recently built this American walnut console in the tradition of cabinet makers of the XVIIIth century. Each leg, each drawer, was sculpted by hand. This piece has been aged and finished in a way to imitate the look of an antique console made from European walnut.
Carving a leg detail Before applying the finish
Finished French console
Sculpting and carving - Building a French console
Christian uses glues which are reversible: they are made from fish or hide. A good traditional restorer must make sure the piece of furniture is not damaged by modern glues which would make future repairs impossible.
Restoring an Italian painted bed
The technique of French polish - Restoring Chinese antique furniture
Christian only uses non-toxic finishes (important for clients with young children, or subject to allergies). He mixes different types of shellac (natural resin) to make a varnish specific to each piece. This finish is little known in the United States, yet it is part of a French tradition which is over 200 years old. A great deal of experience is needed to acquire this know-how. The wood is hand rubbed with a paddle moistened with alcohol and pumice. Then the shellac is applied with another paddle. This finish is most beautiful, because during the process, the wood pores are filled with a blend of pumice and with the wood of the piece itself which gives the finish a definite transparency. But this technique is not recommended for refinishing heavily used pieces such as dining tables, for which modern varnishes are more suitable.
Restoring 1750's Boulle marquetry
Detail
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The veneer on this type of piece is exclusively made of delicately sawed brass plates and turtle shells. It is usually engraved with intricate motives. This technique of marquetry was invented in the seventeenth century by André-Charles Boulle, cabinet-maker of Louis XIV.
VENEERS:
Christian orders his veneers from Certainly Wood in New York, which has one of the greatest choice of woods in the United States. When you order custom-made furniture, you may specify the type of veneer you would like. Just go to www.certainlywood.com and choose it! Here are two examples among many possibilities.
Oak burl Olive burl