Gondola Rescue - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores this set of three nineteenth-century gondola chairs. 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).
Пікірлер: 855
Tom, I know you are stepping back a little, but we really appreciate your awesome videos and the craftsmanship you have. Thanks for continuing to upload, you are a true gem.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@furtim1
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration thank you!
@mokimmy6457
10 ай бұрын
Earlier today some of the veneer popped off my birdseye maple dresser. After the initial panic, I thought about all the veneer repairs I’ve watched you do on your channel. I felt so appreciative of all the knowledge you’ve provided to all of us. I gathered up my hide hide glue, painter’s tape, glue scraper and a clamp. I’ve done it like you’ve shown us and will let it dry overnight. And tomorrow hopefully I’ll be able to say “I think it looks pretty good” just like you do! Thanks for all the lessons!
Tom, I just want to let you know how much I enjoy and appreciate the time and effort you put into your restorations. I especially like the attention you pay to letting us know the materials you use - so often restorers are very protective of their materials and techniques, only showing the end result, not the mistakes, recovery and re-working. Thank you!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I have always shared everything I know and use, and it has only brought me more work and happiness
I love how this man explains in few words every step of his work. And he's not afraid to admit he made a mistake. Also, there's no distracting background music. He must have been a teacher, once upon a time. A real artist.
@johnsonrestoration
11 ай бұрын
Thank you! No, I was never a teacher - but I guess I am now!
Whoever does your filming and editing does such a good job. It’s just like I am there watching over your shoulder.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I do filming, and I have an editor
It's such a total pleasure to watch a craftsman at work, quite humbling!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Veronica-pv3qh
3 ай бұрын
He is a master!
Your videos just keep getting better and better, Tom. We're not just watching, we're learning from a master.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris!
An antique restoration artist, and that doesn't even come close to what we watched. Extremely inspiring!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's nice
16 hours… wow. Another great job, thanks Mr Thomas!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
By giving these furniture a new life you are a giving a great opportunity for the coming generations to have a chance to see these antiques, GOD BLESS YOU.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's very nice!
What a craftsman! The client should be super happy to have those back looking great.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! They are!
Your clients are very fortunate to have you restore their chairs. Very well done! Best wishes.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Always a pleasure to see one of your videos Tom, thank you, hope you and yours are happy and well, keep 'em coming, all the best
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Thanks for another deep dive into your world Tom. I never fail to learn from your videos but I think the most valuable part for myself is your narration which explains your thought processes. I hope you find that egg lol.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I try not to talk too much! Oh yeah, I got the egg
Your videography is excellent. The lighting and close-ups and edits on the gluing, the showing of the repair waiting to dry - it's all very good.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I like making videos!
@starlight-wj5nc
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful work! You absolutely restored the beauty back to those chairs back to life love it 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿✊🏿
I needed this calming incredible vid to drown out all the ugh stories on you tube. Thanks for keeping it simple and not selling out.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I appreciate that!
🙋♀️❤ Thank goodness these chairs found you! Nobody else brings wood back to life like you do, Tom!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Margaret!
Absolutely stunning. I always wonder if furniture restorers ever get the financial rewards they deserve for such time consuming work. I suspect a lot of love is given to the Timbers
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Most do well. It is difficult to charge as much as you need to to stay in business, really the same for any small businesses
It is so cool to see you getting creative with your filmography Tom; I really loved the way this video was put together - you took us on a journey, not just a straight up tutorial! You're really coming into your own with this and I for one am living for it! The cherry on top was the chicken announcing her new egg...just delightful! I hope you do feel how much we appreciate the time and effort you take to make and share these master tutorial/day-in-the-life-of videos Tom...I have learned so much and loved every minute. Thank you and stay safe!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! And it's great to receive such positive support
It's always a pleasure watching you work. I can't tell you how much I've learned by watching.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's great!
After a few years of messing about with wood, I now realize just how much money you’ve invested in your shop. The clamps alone are worth a LOT, and the wood gouges (are the Pfeil?) are super expensive. Everywhere I look you have top notch and pricey tools….and look at all the wood🥰 If I did jealous in my life, this would be it. Let’s settle on admiration and longing. Beautiful work as always sir❤
@johnsonrestoration
6 ай бұрын
Thanks! Yes, but all that's been accumulated over 45 years! I always bought the best
You are a brilliant craftsman and every video is a teaching experience. Thank you for generously sharing your expertise and knowledge. The Gondola chairs are miracles of restoration, astounding quality. They look "pretty good."
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate it
I have watched other furniture restoration channels. I find myself comparing their work to yours and silently telling them they are doing it wrong. You are truly the master! I always enjoy your videos.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's nice
Most relaxing watching you do these repairs and I love the way you tell what you’re doing and why you’re doing it every time the project turns out beautiful 😊
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I love how those chairs reflect use and repair. Treasured yet practical.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Yes! Well said!
You are the preeminent craftsman on KZread, and quite possibly anywhere else. Watching your work is inspiring and fun.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's very nice
You don’t simply repair,you are an artist!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's nice
Love the way you keep teaching and sharing knowledge. Thank you as always.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
I've seen many episodes of furniture and wood items being restored by Tom but this one looks like he has outdone himself. Looks very good!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Such a great restoration! So sad that Ella did not get to watch you do it. We miss her in your shop, I imagine you do as well.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Oh yes, every day, all the time
@nancybridegam6903
7 ай бұрын
Of course you do. ❤
Thank you for being such a true genius of furniture restoration, Sir, And thank you for sharing all of these experiences with all of us.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Beautiful grain matches and of course everything else. Your ingenuity is a joy to behold and your clamp collection would take some beating. It’s always pretty late when your videos come up but worth every bit of sleep deprivation to watch. You are a generous teacher and I feel as though it’s Christmas again with each new project. Thanks so much for all the extra work involved in recording.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome Alison! I appreciate it!
I love watching you restore old furniture, thanks
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
You did a great job returning the chairs to the beauty they had when new. Gorgeous chairs.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Judith!
You are a miracle worker! Thank you for taking us along. I’m always happy when you post a new video. I have watched all of your posted video. Thanks again.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Your work and explanations of your thought process in determining next steps has been very informative. Your videos are a master class in not only furniture repair but utube videos with excellent close ups and just enough wide shots. I have learned so much from your videos, I am inspired to tackle some repairs on my own antique furniture. Thank you.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I appreciate that! Yes, give it a try!
I'm always so amazed at how you're able to make an added piece of wood disappear into the repaired item. First you're able to find a grain matching chunk, then you're able to shape it like it's supposed to be there and then you color match it... and it's gone :D
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Pete! It helps to have plenty of scraps to choose from
Wieder eine wunderbare Arbeit. Ich habe Hochachtung vor ihnen , danke. Hier kann man immer nur lernen. Viele liebe Grüße Christel ☺👏👏👏
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Sehr gerne!
Thanks for sharing another great restoration. I watched this at 9pm and was amazed that one of my hens was laying so late until I realised that it was one of yours.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
That's great! good sound system!
Another magical restoration and a true pleasure to watch.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Well done Tom, a great restoration as always.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Love the before and after shots. I always look forward to your videos.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I’ve seen people repair furniture, you’re an artist.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, that's nice!
Lovely, Tom! So much fun watching a master work! Love your channel!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
The lines are lovely, and the finish glows! Your skill and expertise never fail to amaze me! Nice job doesn't cut it!!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Maggie Sue!
The master at work! A pleasure and an inspiration to watch. The sound of a hen laying an egg is music to my ears. Thanks!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I love that too
Love watching craftsmen at work, my brother was a cabinetmaker and ended up as a bar fitter and shop fitter, did a lot of work in banks and did some work for me, double glazing, Louvre doors, wood panelling and doors a real artisan and worked to the highest specifications or he was not happy. Thanks Bro.❤
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I think of my oldest brother often, and how highly skilled he was
Nice job- I appreciate you passing on your true craftsmanship-especially the finish touch-ups and color blending Thanks!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
What a sensational job you did on these! I look forward to your videos and careful restoration techniques on each different piece. I loved the trick with the pumice in the beeswax polish. You’re an absolute champion!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! That's nice
You do amazing work! I'm very worried about the future when our generation is gone as there are so few artisans taking our place. . .
@carolinegray7510
Жыл бұрын
I've wondered about that, too. "Do you, or have you ever "......had an apprentice? Finding one with the dedication and determination is almost an impossible task.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael! They've been saying that for at least the last 72 years that I've been around!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I've had quite a few employees. But these videos are a lot better. I hear from a lot of restorers from all over the country.
You did a nice job matching the grain, and making those chairs look nice again!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Wallace!
@lostonwallace1396
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration You're welcome, but you can call me Loston. It's my real first name. It's just not one you're likely ever to hear again, as my Dad made it up. He thought it had a nice cowboy hero sound to it. Heh.
Hi Thomas. Jarred Mattingly, no affiliation, Orlando, Florida. Watching your videos is always a learning experience, and somehow, at the same time it's a meditative therapy dose. Your videos contain the usual knowledge, mastery of skills, and great cinematography, but there's note's of completeness, and fulfillment, if those words even come close to describing the experience from your audiences' perspective. Naturally, there's a paternal, or avuncular feel as you walk us through what you're doing, why you're doing it, and pointing out pitfalls. Yet, I'm still amazed at how your presentation, even down to the speech patterns, volume, and word choice can evoke feelings of general accomplishment, thorough achievement, and I, for one, and I'm sure many others, am thankful for you ,and what you do, and who you are. You can't trim anything from your videos without diminishing the whole piece; not an ounce of fat anywhere in he videos. Always a pleasure to watch. Thank you sir.
@johnsonrestoration
9 ай бұрын
You're welcome Jared! That is a very thoughtful and well written, it means a lot to me, I really appreciate it. And I thank you for watching and being such a good fan.
@jarredmattingly5369
9 ай бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you, sir! My pleasure.
Tom your videos are great! I like that you are trying to limit them to around 30 minutes. I have been in the construction field for decades and now that I’m getting ready to ‘retire’ I have been taking on more furniture builds/restorations. You have been a wealth of information and I truly appreciate you for that!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yes, good luck with that retirement!
The way you are able to match the different tones and make them look like they were there from the start is amazing!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I like watching the process and care that you take during these restorations. There is so much to consider and the logic you employ is amazing. Years of practice really shows. 🙌
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Je suis une femme de 74 ans et j'adore regarder votre travail. Quelle patience et quel talent. Vous me faites du bien!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Merci! Qui me rend heureux!
Wow, just wow. You blow my mind everytime! Nice work Tom!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
What a wonderful way to start a day! A new Tom video!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! First comment! Congratulations!
@iakwia
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration Thank you for non-political, gentle, amazingly educational content that showcases fantastic furniture, a loving canine companion, beautiful wildlife footage and your own phenomenal skills. When I see one of your notifications pop, I know I have something exceptional waiting for me. Thank YOU!
Those 3 chairs came out so good they almost look brand new. Great job.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I don't know how you started in this Art of Conservation and Restoration but I know that the Art of Conservation and Restoration chose you very well for its representative. It is a pleasure to see your work and the final results. Thanks.
@Troot51
Жыл бұрын
Tom's father owned a furniture repair shop. I imagine most of of the kids helped out in the shop one way or another. Other brothers also followed in their father's footsteps.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Dean! I'm wondering - did you ever visit my Dad's shop? I feel like you must have but I don't remember
@Troot51
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration Oh yes Tom, on a number of occasions I was in your Dad’s shop. After school mostly, I’d guess. Loved the smell of the place. Old furniture and glue !
Beautiful results as usual Tom! The curved components of these chairs were always going to be fragile with stress along the grain. You have brought back their grace, with utmost skills.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Very nice old chairs. Look amazing now you have restored them owner will be very pleased with the end results. 👍😀
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! They are pleased!
Nice work, Tom. Beautiful results.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Another great piece of work Tom. 👏👏👍
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Your amazing color matching skills never cease to amaze and I really like how you went out of your way to touch up that old repair as well. Looks fantastic.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
It’s true! You just can’t have too many clamps. A true craftsman at work.
@johnsonrestoration
4 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Awesome repair Thom! The amount of damage in those chairs was amazing. 😮 They were one step above kindling and now they are beauties.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
The love and craftsmanship that you put into your work is marvelous. This is always my moment of zen.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's nice
Masterful restoration, renovation, reincarnation and ressurection. Bravo! Your workshop and tools are also beautifully organised - rather like an operating theatre. Wherever I hide my hide glue I can never find it afterwards... Thank you Tom, you're an (inter)national treasure!!
@johnsonrestoration
Ай бұрын
Thank you! That is so nice. I can’t find many things either! We’re all getting older, and we have too much stuff!
Thomas, outstanding work. As a woodworker and metal worker, I learn a lot from your videos. It's the simple stuff that you do that really helps out. Like where to put the tape, for fitting veneer, etc. The approach to a major repair, i.e., "1 step at a time." Great show, my condolences on the loss of your dog. Old friends are hard to find.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Bill! I appreciate it. And yes, I will miss her always
Hi Tom. Nice preservation and renewal. I really appreciate seeing them in the home setting after you’ve worked you magic. Thank you.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Skills and techniques of a master craftsman
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Excellent job Tom! Quite the difference between a masters work and the previous attempts at restoration.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! It's always interesting to see what worked and what didn't
Beautifully restored. I'm sure they'll be passed down for many more generations.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I hope so!
I knew this video was going to showcase your amazing woodworking skills the moment you said ‘ugh!’ out loud as soon as you saw that one damaged area. I don’t remember hearing you say that in any of your other videos. Another incredible job. Thanks for sharing.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! That's funny!
I learned a new word today: chatoyance. I would have thought it was a portmanteau of chat and annoyance. Thanks Tom, great video as always.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I love that word
Tom, Absolutely amazing! I'll take your "looks pretty good" over anybody's perfect.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! That's nice
Totally captivating. They turned out gorgeous.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I really like watching videos about restorations, but you are the best of them. You show each step of the work, with very close images , where we can see and compare the before and after. This shows us its skill and ability to return the original shape of the piece. Thank you for sharing this work with us.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Oglądanie mistrza Thomasa przy pracy to czysta przyjemność. Na piękną robotę składa się wiedza, ciężka praca i pomysłowość. Pozdrawiam.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Dziękuję! Doceniam to!
You said " I think they look good," I think you hit the mark and they look great.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
As always, SUCH amazing work. I love that you showed the details on the color matching, joint filling, etc. Such good work.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
These chairs look absolutely wonderful. It was hard to imagine when I first saw them, but have had complete confidence that they would come out perfect.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I enjoy seeing the variety of techniques you use on the same piece. Always educational.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Such fantastic work as always, Tom. Thanks for the great video! PS - I thought those chickens were outside my window tonight while watching your video. I had to shut the sound off for a second to make sure it was in fact, your chickens. Haha. 🤣
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Cat! Yeah, you're the 2nd person to say that!
@OwlingDogDesign
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration 🤣
" Problems with chatoyance "… Your use of words is music to my ears, Tom. I can't recall the last time I heard that delightful word… Chatoyance… ❤
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Yes Sylvie! My favorite word...
I hope there are some young people out there taking notes. Learning something from a true master craftsmen will be time well spent. Just like that chicken laying that egg, soon it will be priceless!
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I think these videos are getting the word out!
Another masterclass, i always like it when you explain what needs to happen and then when plan A does work what planB etc will need to be, excellent work as always.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! You always need a "plan B"!
It is so relaxing watching you work. I call you the Bob Smith of wood working.............
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I think you mean Bob Ross? A lot of people have said that
Lovely....after a couple of stressful, worrying days its lovely to watch the peaceful magic of Tom's veneer and colour matching skills...and to chuckle to myself: "one can never have too many clamps" . Thank you sir for another beautiful repair, your clients must be so grateful. I know I am.😊👏👍🙏
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Jude! That's nice
Love the shape of the chairs, very elegant though they do seem like a fragile design. The finish is beautiful! I could watch you work your magic all day. 👍🏼
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Actually they seem pretty sturdy - good design
@26beegee
Жыл бұрын
@@johnsonrestoration I do really like them!
Excellent repairs. Excellent finishing. The best repairs can look terrible if you can’t follow through with proper finishing. Tom, you are so skilled at both. Such a pleasure to watch. … Now, I would like to see a puppy at the shop. Not a replacement but just a next generation. Ella could never be replaced.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, Ella will never be forgotten!
I hope that I look that good when I am 160 years old. Well done sir.👍
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm sure you will!
Nice looking chairs. The repairs and refinishing worked out pretty good ;-). Your work gave them another 100 years of family enjoyment.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I’ve been watching you for years on my tv. I had no idea how to subscribe. Today, I decided to try my smart phone. I was impressed again. Your skill on the consolation chairs seems unmatched to me.😮
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Well, I think they are best on TV. But you can get notified on your phone
Really nice job. Thanks for taking us along 👍
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Those damaged parts were not easy repairs; quite tricky indeed. You really did them justice.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
My goodness, what an incredibly amazing job you’ve done on these chairs. Their antique finish is maintained, the glow is perfect. The reproduction look that I so often see on what are supposed to be “professionally refinished” is, thank goodness, not visible. The owners are going to be very pleased. Let’s hope the upholsterer comes from the same ethic.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! They came out great
you are a true craftsmen and artist. I really enjoyed the restoration of these beautiful chairs. What I wouldn't give to have a tenth of your talent. The grain matches were spot on. When you got done no one would know about all of the repairs unless they looked at it with a magnifying lens. I thought the fabric choice for the seats was an excellent one as well.
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! The seats did look good!
A very fussy restoration, and very successful. Love the profiles of these Gondola chairs. Mahogany is such a rich warm wood. Thank you for an educational video. Loved all your special features and custom wooden wedges for clamping. 👍
@johnsonrestoration
3 ай бұрын
Thank you! Yes, they are very sculptural, amazing really
Hey Tom Great outcome, I really enjoy watching your work. Take care of Yourself
@johnsonrestoration
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim!