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Desks + Cabinets + Chests of Drawers +

This page is dedicated to desks and storage units traditionally finished with resin varnishes.

What is important about the work is the way treatments are performed. Our techniques save the original components whenever possible. We work with restorative techniques which are era-appropriate, and traditional finish method. Barriers are used to protect original finishes when appropriate. We mix our own true shellacs, resins, and hide glues.

For more information go back to our opening page on Wooden Objects.

 

American Arts & Crafts Greek Revival Buffet Ca. 1900

This family heirloom was badly damaged from years
of use, and held many good memories. Hot foods
and wax candles had caused thermochromatic damage to the oak veneer, and there were also chips and gouges on the top and sides. We thoroughly cleaned the finish, repaired the veneer, repaired drawer glides and the outside back panel, and repaired the damaged finish with infill and amalgamation, then waxed.
Before, left, and after treatment, right.

Before, above, and after treatment, below.

 

American Walnut Chest of Drawers Ca. 1920

This chest of drawers was a family heirloom, and had several accident leaving the finish on the top compromised. We cleaned and repaired the finish on the top, replaced missing veneer on the front, repaired the carcass structure so drawers would once again open smoothly, refitted leg casters, waxed and polished the entire chest.

 

Kentucky Livery Cabinet Ca. 1830

A family heirloom, this Livery Cabinet was passed down thought several generations. We believe it was made in Kentucky, with a Germanic influence. The piece had a broken and missing top edge, broken base, and the finish was in poor condition. We reproduced the missing pieces from vintage wood, infilled holes, reglued and repaired unstable areas, and protected the finish, which also enhanced the patina. KENTUCKY LIVERY CABINET RESUME

Before, above, and after treatment, below.

 

American Greek Revival Chest of Drawers Ca. 1910

A family heirloom, this chest of drawers had many accidents over its many years of use. Perfume bottles, white rings from water glasses, spills of colored liquid, and numerous scratches had marred the surface, plus the usual nicks, dings, and gouges. Ammonia had been sprayed on the mirror surface, and had seeped into the wood and finish around the mirror. The owner had tried to refinish it herself then decided to bring it to us, so we also had to match the sanded side and drawers with the older finish. Our goal was not perfection, but to bring the piece back to an acceptable appearance with its aged
flaws as part of its history. To that end, we did no sanding other than to lightly
etch the surface. We thoroughly cleaned the piece, amalgamated deep holes,
repaired the minor woodworking issues, then began the long process of finish infill, ending with a wax top coat for protection. This project is both conservation
and restoration with using conservation and traditional techniques.
AMERICAN GREEK REVIVAL CHEST OF DRAWERS RESUME

Before, above, and after treatment, below.

 

Modern Brazil Wood Desk + Credenza CA. 1960

A family with a collection of modern classics had this desk from the grandfather's office, bleached by sun and caustic cleanings agents, plus dings and other abrasions. The grain was open and unprotected. Their grandfather was now in a wheelchair and the family wanted the desk modified without damaging it to allow for his chair to fit. We treated the conditions and created a reversible prosthetic. MODERN BRAZIL WOOD DESK & MODERN BRAZIL WOOD CREDENZA

Before, left, and after treatment, right.

 

Sheraton Kidney Leather-Topped Desk Ca. 1950

A family heirloom, this kidney shaped Sheraton mid-twentieth century leather topped desk was in poor condition. The finish on the body of the desk was experiencing loss due to the move from a moist climate to a dry climate; the leather top had many problems besides a layer of deep grime form decades of use. The desk was beloved by the owner, who saw her mother use it her whole life; however, costs needed to be reasonable. MPFC thoroughly cleaned the piece, repaired the finish losses on the body of the desk, and cleaned the leather top. We did not infill color loss to the leather top. SHERATON KIDNEY LEATHER-TOPPED DESK

Before, left, and after treatment, right.

 

American Federal Chest of Drawers Ca. 1810

Our private client has a great deal of heirloom early American historical furniture; this piece was one of her later pieces. The finish was extremely damaged with nail polish, scrapes, gouges, and loss of color. Both drawers and the carcass had structural failures. AMERICAN FEDERAL CHEST OF DRAWERS RESUME

 

Additional pages offer specific items:

• Chairs + Rockers + Footstools;
• Tables + Clocks;
• Painted Polychrome and Lacquer Objects;
• 
  Visit the collection of wooden objects at the McLoughlin House.
• Visit the collection of Imperial Monterey Furniture from Crater Lake National Park
• Visit the collection of Mason Monterey furniture at the Oregon Caves National Monument (in process.)