Restoring Midcentury Modern Masterpieces - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2020
- Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores these two iconic Hans Wegner JH512 folding chairs, teak with cane seats, which had been purchased by the original owners in Denmark at Wegner's atelier in the 1960s. Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, 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).
- Jak na to + styl
"I think they look pretty good" - not only a master craftsman, but a master of the understatement.
It his trademark phrase.
Thanks!
Gotta get it copyrighted!
so true. new sub. love the content
The first thing I bought when I graduated from nursing school was one of these chairs. Mine has the rope weaving and it doesn't have the handles but it has the stamp and the name in it so I know it's authentic. I have loved that chair for 47 years now although I can no longer sit in it unless I wish to be there for an extended length of time until someone can come to get me up. lol
Thanks! Yes, that's the problem with these chairs
@@johnsonrestoration I owned one of these chairs. for many years and re-covered it in beautiful tan suede.leather. I have always regretted selling it because I thought it beautiful and unique. but I was on a selling spree!
I begin to wonder - which does Mr. Tom Johnson, of Gorham, Maine enjoy most - displaying and explaining his amazing restoration talents and techniques, or his skills as a "wildlife" photographer :) ? Either way, they both add to the enjoyment of watching his videos!! I'm not ashamed to say that each and every video adds just a bit of knowledge and pleasure to my life. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for sharing your passions!
You are very welcome! I have become totally into videography!
@@johnsonrestoration It shows. Your videos are really well done. Would love to see more of your wildlife videography. Loved seeing the grey cat. Seems like s/he has been around. Wonderful & beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your work with us. Appreciation from the SFBay area.
@@johnsonrestoration a good way of handing down to grandchildren A gift from granpappy
See you in the next one
Work faster. We need more videos
@@johnsonrestoration Tom I would enjoy working with you very much and I promise not to get in the way!
I've been following and watching this mans videos for some time now. Coming out of a Covid-19 lock down as a health care consultant, I received my first deployment to Biddeford, Maine with lodging in Scarborough, Maine. Literally, Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine is nine mile from where I am sitting right now. I may have to swing by and say "Hello!"
Thanks! Yes you can! Just let me know when
I am a student woodworker in Montreal, and I started watching your videos in March, around the time we were all sent home because of COVID-19. I just finished watching them all today, and I am going back to the school workshop tomorrow. Thanks to you, I feel like I've learned so much during those five months. You are an incredible communicator and a great teacher. I'm already looking forward to viewing all your future video. Merci mille fois.
You are welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them. Good luck to you in school, I hope you can go forward and make your living working wood!
I know a sharp chisel is a big part of it but the trick w/ the straight edge to finish the cut was genius
Thanks! Yes, I like that too. It works really well
Another first-class restoration job. There are not many craftsmen around who are capable of bringing back to life broken furniture that most others would just cast aside.
Thank you! I appreciate it
When you have watched everything on Netflix...and somehow stumble on to this channel...your back binging again. I have learned so much today just watching this channel. As a nurse, I am used to seeing how the body works, never really thought about woodworking...but it has captured my attention today. I was just telling my husband that this channel was awesome. He just hand built a huge work bench in our garage. He thought about what he wanted, planned it, built it, added some type of removable casters to it so it could be moved and cut into it so that certain saws could be stored and used right there. He is great at those things. This channel has made me appreciate his talent more than ever. I appreciate Tom's talent and the way he explains what he is doing and why. I will continue to watch and learn.
Thank you! That's great!
Another great video ! one other thing that comes with age, is the "Fault" of when an elderly person sits down, they "Drop" down rather than "let" themselves down. I have a buddy of mine who does that all the time, and I have had to re-glue and re-tighten chairs that he has "Dropped" into. A foot of weight dropped can do a lot of damage. I applaud your treating the Cane. My wife does caning and we/she always treats them with either Tung oil or Danish oil , being sure to wipe it down good. so glad you showed that part Tom,- thanks again for another "learning and enjoyable video. and thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! Yes, I know a few people like that too. I don't think it's possible to get them to stop
@@johnsonrestoration Master artist Tom I wanted to relay a bit of medical info regarding this chair. I am a Physician that loves woodwork, re-upholstery and caning/weaving. When I see the failures in most chairs it is from weak body mechanics that are partially from weight related issues but more importantly from central body weakness. This places a human at increased risk of fall/fractures. I have often thought that the most instructive part of a home visit is the evaluation of the main chair a person sits in. If the person uses their arms to get up they cause outwards forces on all joints and the chair is destined to fail...and so is the person. Most chairs that are 100 years old can withstand a healthy body of any age. If someone is 60 and they break a chair it is not the chair but the human that is failing.
Tom, you made our day, missed you and glad you are back and safe. Yes, we agree, that may be a design fault that surfaces with the age of the user ...
Thanks! Yes, not the chairs you'd choose to grow old in!
@@johnsonrestoration If you sit down into them, you may not have a choice... ;-)
It's funny every time you say 'thats not bad' it's an understatement. It's usually like, pretty much perfect, or as close to perfect as it can get with a huge amount of skill gone into it. I'm addicted to these videos 😁
Thanks! I'm glad you are!
Re: getting out of those chairs. You are spot on. Older folks, perhaps.
Thanks Paul! Yes, all chairs! I make it a point to never use my arms to push myself up from a chair. Use it or lose it!
Wonderful works. Many likes 👍🏾 and a new inscription for you from São Paulo Brazil
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
@@johnsonrestoration 😍
These are beautiful chairs and the repair looks very 'pretty good'. I also like that you put finish and wax on the reed. It definitely brought it back to life.
Thank you very much! Yes, I was really happy the reed came back without much trouble
Restorers are my favourite people. They teach us to preserve and not to destroy.
Thank you! I like that!
all of that ANNNNNND a message at the end about health and wellness. Sir you truly are a renaissance man.
Thank you! I appreciate it
Beautiful chairs, beautiful restoration!
Thank you very much!
Amazing Tom! Phenomenal work! You are the best sir, there's no one else like you that's for sure! Missed you... don't stay away so long next time. Be safe my friend. 😊😊
Wow, thank you! I appreciate it!
I watched this today with my 3 and 5 year old great grandchildren. They actually enjoyed it. I was surprised by their interest!
Wow! Thank you! I love that!
The Bob Ross of furniture restoration. Thanks for yet another great video.
You're welcome!
Just adore mid century furniture and as a person married in the ‘80’s have quite a few teak pieces myself. Didn’t know about sustainability back then but it makes keeping these pieces in good repair so critical going forward. Thank you and stay safe😊😊
You're welcome! Yes, it's always good to keep an eye on the chairs, etc and repair/reglue before anything gets worse
Outstanding workmanship and repairs. Such a pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
Mr. Johnson is a super talented professional! I sincerely hope he is passing his expertise to the next generation.
Thanks! Well, that's the purpose of these videos!
Sir, I thoroughly enjoy the calmness and thoroughness of your repair and care of the furniture. There is no lack of master craftsmen on CZcams but not many with the kind of your composure.
Thank you!
Lovely watching you shape the wood for those repairs.👍
Thanks! My favorite part too!
Another wonderful job of filming, recording, and editing a fine piece of woodworking craftsmanship.
Thank you!
The design isn't to my taste, but being Danish I do feel joy and thankfulness at seeing these chairs restored. Well done as always Tom.
Thank you very much!
My mother bought a pair of these chairs in the mid 60's. She was fascinated with the design and the slant.
Thanks! I hope you still have them!
I seem to have repaired more than my share of Danish chairs over the years. It appears they put aesthetics before mechanics, to a degree. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome! I think this failure is an outlier, their designs are usually strong
I would love to have a set of those chairs. Nice job.
Me too! Thanks!
The only thing that's better than waking up on a Tuesday and finding a new video on this channel, is to wake up on a Friday to find a new video on this channel. Thanks for posting!
You're welcome! I like Friday's too! But we decided not to wait
For me watching you put the pieces back was the mist verve wracking. It’s lovely to have you back.
Thanks! I've been posting videos regularly, be sure to hit the bell icon next to the subscribe button so that you are notified
Masterful. As usual. And getting out of a low chair with just leg strength, that’s pretty good, too.
Thanks! I'm into exercising!
Tom, I think your breakage theory makes sense, I would add that since the chairs are a bit lower than most, many individuals tend to drop rather than lower themselves into these types of chairs, regardless of age. Either way ..........snap. Terrific repair !
Thanks! Yes, I'm wondering how long those seats will last
I love the circle template trick. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. I’m the guy that requested a video on stain matching. That video helped me immensely on a restoration of a small mahogany table I did for a customer recently. I usually do furniture construction, but that restoration piece was fun! Thanks again.
You're welcome! I'm glad the video was helpful!
What I’m learning from your videos: 1) Go slow. 2) Use sharp tools. 3) There is no such thing as too many clamps. Awesome video, Tom!
Thanks! Yes! Taking your time is the fastest way to do something!
Tom, I have always loved this shape of chair, whether the more upright dining version or these 'relaxed' lounging versions. But it is very hard to get the sliding mechanism and hinge elements just right. My own variant, dining version - where I tried to reduce the weight of timber I was using to the bare minimum are still working 30 years on - but probably more down to their being infrequently used. I managed to get some cruder mass produced 'garden' versions in France a decade or more ago and they work pretty well, I certainly couldn't have produced mine for that price point.
These are very elegant and well worth saving, but I think you have correctly pointed out the design flaw. Great to see another excellent repair and clean up - I loved how you treated the reed.
Thanks! Yes, it's a great design, except that one area needed something more
One thing that I have learned from this channel, is to mark everything. I have ruined chairs from not marking them. It could be the same reason that this failed. In 1985 I learned how to cane, very rewarding. I made baby chairs and caned the seats, they are their 3rd generation now.
Thanks Tom, I have learned a lot from you. It's also amazing that have some of same tools you use, handed down by generations of woodworkers to me. Is that a Japanese hand saw you use?
You're welcome! It took me awhile to learn to mark everything! Yes, Japanese saws, and it is great using old tools, such a real connection to the past
With so many of us in our 60's or beyond, and with girth and age growing together, perhaps it is time to write a book on design details for the 'elderly' so we can have both the strength and the aesthetics in our surroundings.
Or, God forbid, we watch our food intake and exercise! Thanks!
You sir are a furniture doctor of the highest order!
Thank you!
Everything you touch ALWAYS looks good Thomas...and I, as well as I am sure, others, really would like to see the OWNERS reactions when you either deliver the projects or if the owner comes by and picks them up...That would be great...
Thanks! That's the best part! It just doesn't seem practical to try to video that
I just started watching several of your amazing videos. I am fascinated with all the specialized scrapers and planers you use. Where do you find those tools and what is the behind the scene maintenance such as sharpening like?
Thanks! Well, my favorite reading is tool catalogs! Sharpening is constant. Not so bad now that I'm working by myself
Love to see the respect for the Wegner chair while also pointing out the structural design flaw in the stretchers. I also appreciate the care you took and the thought you put into your repairs. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome! I appreciate it!
This video must be rewatched to fully grasp all the techniques used to repair and refinish these beautiful chairs. In particular, the professional eyes needed to see the repair requirements is appreciated. Excellent‼️ One of your “best” of the best videos.
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Those chairs are a thing of beauty. I LOVE mid century. I have my house furnished with a lot of Parker & Grant Featherstone pieces (Australian mid century designers).
It’s so satisfying to see these gorgeous chairs rescued and restored to their former glory by you. Such clever and organic shapes. And if I owned them, I wouldn’t be sitting in them. I would just look at them and appreciate their form.
Oh and really cute cat at the start. Looks like a little panther 😻 does it have a name? Is it yours?
Thanks again for a wonderfully satisfying video to watch!
Thank you! Yes, these chairs are not practical! That's a feral (I think) cat that's been visiting. My cats don't seem bothered by him. He is a battle-hardened individual, no ears to speak of, half a tail. Interesting
@@johnsonrestoration I think he might be a Scottish Fold.
@@rickallen6378 you know I think you could be right!
My sister was crazy about “Danish Modern” and had that style in every room. While all the furnishings looked solid with their unique blend of strength, delicate parts, and overall integrity, I always worried about sitting in one and breaking it even though I’m normal size! Your talent as a wood sculptor is amazing and again, it inspires that sense of patience and skill in me for my own work. Great to see you again, best wishes, stay healthy, and a big hug for Ellybean.
Thank you! This is the first danish piece I've seen with questionable strength. I appreciate your kind words. I'll hug Ella right now!
What a talent, great video.
Thank you very much!
Wonderful work! Great video work as well. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Beautiful work. I have a suspicion the chairs are structurally a bit under designed for the sake of esthetics.
Yes. The parts that broke looks to be a weak spot.
If some people from outside of Main sat on the front end of the chair it would break.
You can tell the designer imagined a summer dress clad 19 yr old girl sitting in them drinking a Pimms rather than a 14 stone, 60 yr old bloke drinking a brown ale.
Absolutely! Typically the Danish were able to build strong furniture without compromising the design. Not so much here
You could reinforce that rail by laminating in a piece of flat bar or hiding a bit of threaded rod epoxied in to about a third.. Would render it totally worthless though. As always interesting and superb job.
@@terrortorn Hhahahaaaa love the description
I have been watching Thomas for almost 5 years and I still love learning from him, he is a great master putting his patient and skills to brings the life of furniture back and make the owner adore them again! However I would I point out something that is not so accurate in this video. I am a furniture collector loving danish design, for this chair, the wood is actually oak but not teak, and the original oak wood was fumed in ammonia gas , to give a nice golden oak that penetrate very deeply. Hans Wegner used this process on oak when he designed chair for Johannes Hansen and Carl Hansen in the 50s.. It is very easy to be mistaken between fumed oak and teak. I have another concern on the repair part too, will a simple lapping scarf joint be better in this case? Your step joint method further cuts through the original fiber and the stress can easily concentrate on the original wood . Anyway, It is magical to see the cane can be restored in this way! Looking forward your next video too!
Very interesting - thank you!
Good eye. I kept wondering why the teak grain looked so much like white oak.
Exactly what I came to post.
Thanks! I'm going to look closely at these chairs, but having been pretty intimate with them, I feel like I "know" these are teak! In fact, I'm holding the discarded broken pieces in my hand and they are suddenly suspiciously looking like oak!
Yes indeed! Did I use the wrong wood?
Thank you for this new video. It made my day.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I love these videos, am totally addicted to them. I don’t even do wood working! But, I do like refinishing already built pieces.
Thanks!
TOM, can you tell me what you washed the folding chairs down with ? it was not clear on the audio.
A commercial cleaner called Krud Kutter I believe.
diesel
Thanks! Yes, Allen Casey is correct, Krud Kutter
Yes, thanks!
It's interesting that they were designed to hung on the wall. I know those Danish designers were heavily influenced by Shaker design.
Hmmmm, I wouldn't place Wegner in that farmer category. Recently I visited on of the furniture factories producing his design (PP Møbelfabrikk) and no, no farmers around there.
@@SteifWood I think @Ralphie Wigs is talking about design influences, not production methods... and there are similar characteristics (functional lines, absence of ornaments, smooth curves).
Stiff Wood mmm, see this from wiki : ‘Shaker ladder back chairs, for instance, deeply influenced the work of an entire generation of postwar Danish designers.[3] Also many ideals of furniture formed around the common Shaker furniture construction.’
Thank you! Very interesting! Yes, the comment from Stephe G confirms that!
Thanks! The Shakers may have farmed, everyone did back then. But they were sophisticated manufacturers, credited with inventing the circular saw
Great work, like always! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It is a tremendous help.
You're welcome! Glad to do it
Norm Abrams, eat your heart out. Wow! You, sir, are a true and inspiring artist. Genuinely. Beautiful artwork.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Great work!
Thanks!
Amazing. Thank you for sharing these videos. You inspire all of us!
You are so welcome!
Tom, another fantastic video! 👍
Thanks for watching!
Amazing!
Thanks!
They look spectacular. I love the way you repaired the stretchers. If taken care of they will probably go another 55 years.
I hope so! Thanks!
Stunning!
Thank you! 😊
Absolutely amazing!
Thank you!
And another perfect restoration for the finest pieces of furniture! Always a great joy to your work!
Thank you so much! 😀
As always, a master craftsman and an amazing result.
Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Beautiful chairs and awesome restoration!
Thank you very much!
Great job as usual, I really like that shape of chair. Congrats!
Awesome! Thank you!
Fantastic...as always
Thank you so much! 😀
Thanks Master Tom, always happy to learn something new from you !!!
You're welcome!
Masterful as always!
Thank you! Cheers!
Tom - This is a wonderful video. Thank you so much fo sharing.
You're welcome! My pleasure!
Wonderful restoration Tom! They really look great again.
Many thanks!
I just love watching you do what you do, and with such skill.
Thanks!
They looking amazing!
Thanks!
Once again, beautiful job Mr. Johnson. Love the chairs. They look brand new! Thank you for sharing.
You are very welcome!
Fabulous !
Thanks!
Great job!
Thanks!
Great job, Tom. Congratulations on keeping fit, too!!
Thank you! I enjoy exercising, in all forms
Beautiful job!
Thank you!
Beautiful job!! The results are fantastic!!
Thank you so much!
I think they look amazing! The design and the beautiful repairs bringing it back to life.
Thank you!
Beautiful job!!
Thank you! 😊
Beautiful chairs! Great job restoring them, as usual.
Thank you very much!
I loved!!!
Thank you!
Wonderful video!
Thank you!
Great work and very educational as always! Every time i watch one of your videos i learn a lot. Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm learning while I make the videos! Works both ways
I love your work here!
Thank you!
Beautiful job. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are so welcome!
you did it again! simply beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
Really nice job Tom👍
Thanks! 👍
Great restoration!!! Nice video.
Thank you very much! I appreciate it!
Beautiful, as always; good for the soul just watching you work too...Thanks, rr Normandy, France
You're welcome!
they look beautiful!
Thanks!
Fantastic. I so enjoy watching these videos.
Glad you like them! Thanks!
Excellent work👍👍👍 . Thanks for sharing
You're welcome!
It looks pretty good, Mr Johnson. Thank you for your great job. You are so talented.
You are very welcome!
Lovely job 👍
Thank you! 😊
Very nice refinishing job 👍
Thanks! 👍
Key observation about the generational difference in using ones arms to get out of a chair. That’s wild.
Thanks! I've been regluing a lot of loose arms lately! All for older people and I see them doing it when we're out.