My family used to own a number of writing boxes. One was of particular interest to me. It was a very dark wood box with a mother of pearl inlay on the lid. When I was a boy I discovered that, if the partition forming the compartment for the inkwell was pulled up, a secret compartment opened, revealing three small draws. This was news to the rest of the family.🇬🇧

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That is really neat. The owners of the chest in this video didn't know: kzread.info/dash/bejne/p5OTuqmnk7nIfZc.html

Hi Tom, I only recently found your channel. Last night I was ill and could not sleep. I watched one after another of your videos. Your professional and calm approach are a pleasure to watch. Thanks for helping me through last night. Best regards, Mike, UK

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Glad to have helped!

What an impressive gift he made. A true craftsman! You have restored and repaired this rosewood writing box with gentle respect and acceptance of its age. I absolutely love all things ROSEWOOD! Thank you TJ !

@johnsonrestoration

20 күн бұрын

You're so welcome Marte!

An absolutely beautiful job

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thomas, it was so nice of you to tell us about your father and brother having a shop. It does really run in the family. Lots of talent in those genes.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

How romantic, a writing box for ones’ fiancé! Perfect vid for Valentines’ Day!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It is, but I never thought of that until after the fact!

Dear Tom. You are a true master carpenter. Your skills and knowledge is absolute hats off. I live in United Kingdom London and by accident saw your video whilst searching for french polishing. I now watch your restoration videos and enjoy learning how you sympathetically restore some beautiful vintage furniture. Thank you Tom. You are a true gentleman and its a new addiction to see your videos. I am car guy and love old cars and repair my own collection.....cars with carburettors and points which, sadly the generation of today are clueless.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I appreciate it! Just the other day I was trying to explain to a young person about carborators and the choke mechanism. I have a 79 MGB, and it's amazing how you use all 4 limbs and you are in tune with the vehicle. They will never know what it means to drive a car

A lovely and respectful restoration. Knowing when to stop shows your mastery, experience and judgement. Thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Outstanding! I have learned so much from you, the most important lesson has been patience.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Beautiful restoration 👍👍👍. Thanks for sharing.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Your attention to detail is a rare example of true craftsmanship and excellence. Thanks so much for taping and sharing. Terrific outcome!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I think the art of restoring antiques is to do as little as possible and keep its integrity intact. You are certainly the master, and we are just the novices looking for inspiration. My last project was restoring a 19th century Davenport desk that had seen better days. It came out shining after two or three weeks work and sold at auction for a reasonable price. Enough to cover wax and other bits and pieces spent on it. It's all about the enjoyment of bringing stuff back to life for me.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! same here, I just love saving these pieces from the abyss! Sounds like you did a good job

This way of restoration keeps the history of all who used it alive. Great work, love it.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

A very beautiful piece for the family to cherish for many more years.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It is!

Always a treat to watch the "Master" at work...thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

I was sick for all of February and stuck in bed or the couch and I was wondering what I could do to occupy my time. By luck I came across your KZread site and was drawn in and was amaze at the quality of your work and how patient you are and how you are able to explain your work to others. I believe I have seen all of your episodes as of today and viewing re-runs now. I wish to thank you for occupying my sick days and teaching me about your craft. I did pick up a lot of lessons from you with which I will use taking care of my furniture. You are a master at your craft and not bad at teaching. I look forward to your new episodes in the future and will miss you when you retire. O by the way this 71 year old has to tip his hat to you. Best wishes and God bless you.

@johnsonrestoration

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Charles! I'm sorry you were stuck in bed, but a silver lining for both of us! I'm retired from "the business" but I will continue the videos!

Absolutely amazing work Tom. You are so considerate and delicate in keeping the history for your clients instead of just (fixing things) as many others do. Hats off to you

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@kenstubbs7871

2 жыл бұрын

Show me new leather for writing slopes

Wonderful to have a genuine family antique. 😃👌👌

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

It really is! Thanks!

Once again, you show your years of experience, and best of all, your love for what you do. The thing that always comes through to me, is the love and respect you have for the wood/item. And like others I applaud your restraint not to go too far with the repairs or finish.To change that finish is to alter a 100 years of living and showing that life in it's appearance. Well done Tom and once again thank you very much for sharing. .

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

Small pieces such as this, can become time consuming when they throw up unforeseen problems. It's often difficult to know when to stop. It's a nice wee thing. Thanks for posting.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You;re welcome! It is difficult to know when to stop!

A lovely repair - I guess there was no solution in the end to the warping ... but if the box is to be looked at and enjoyed as a piece of family history, rather than used, the hinges are not going to get a lot of wear and tear.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, exactly, that's why we decided no drastic measures

Beautiful sympathetic restoration Thomas, originality only happens once, thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

What a charming memento of his grandparents for the owner. It's sad that nowadays so few people enjoy letter-writing. It's definitely a dying pleasure to send & receive letters.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I keep telling myself I must write letters! Well, I had at least better get started on my Christmas cards, and will write a brief note in each one

Thank you for all you time and effort. You’re my Maine man when it comes to fixing furniture 😄😄

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Good one!

The true beauty of that little box is revealed...thanks

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

A fine little piece and each scuffmark and even the bowed sides show it's family history. Working around that painted monogram for refnishing would've been very difficult too, I imagine. Thanks for making and sharing this video.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

A fantastic display of restorative craftsmanship....wonderful work as always!!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great work as always!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The camera work in this series is a joy to behold. Thank you Mr Johnson for sharing your skills and Thank you to whoever is helping him do that with your camera.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's me doing the camera work, I'm into it!

Wood - a once living, always organic building material, subject to change over time and climate. Building a piece to survive these for 20 years is something. 100 years, amazing.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Well said!

A good man. Knowledgeable, patient, exacting. A great guy to have a s a neighbor! Sure wish I had a fine cabinetmaker neighbor :)

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Move to Maine!

I have watched you now for quite a number of years now and it really think this box has been one of your best. The respect that is paid to the owners wishes and the wood itself. I have in the past done many repairs on items such as this and it is really hard to know when to stop. In this case you really nailed it rather than ruin a family heirloom with a restoration. Great job as usual, Thomas. Thanks.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! I appreciate your input

Congratulations to the new couple. What a lovely, meaningful gift.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think so too

I agree, no need to do a refinish. It looks great just as it is.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Oh Thomas how I love this... Thank you so much..:)

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Beautiful job sir!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Tastefully done Young Thomas! Always difficult when you have to strike a balance between restore/repair and try to keep as much of 100 or so years original patina as possible!! 5 *****

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, it is difficult when you know how it would look refinished, this was a good lesson in why not to refinish

What a great piece of family history. Thank you for sharing.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

It truly is a joy to watch you work. Thanks for all the content.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Thomas this is not a good work... this is pure art! Thanks for sharing your talent.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Enjoyed the video Tom. You did another great job. It looks nice and is kept original. Neat story behind it. That is really nice you have your Dads inlay supply box. Beautiful chickens. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Beautiful, detailed execution of the process! The new HD camera looks great as well!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to film your work. You are amazing and I enjoy your videos throughly

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

So good to watch a craftsman at the top of his trade and long may it continue

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I hope so!

«...But,this patina represents 100 years of family history,and i think it looks pretty good!!».Thats the best closing line one could ever say!!!

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It's so true though, I try to look at all the pieces I work on that way

@kostasevagelidis

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnsonrestoration We all can see that,thats why you re such a unique artist in what you do!!

Beautiful work again, thanks!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Hi Tom. New to your channel. I am a woodworker, but mostly work on new pieces. I have really enjoyed learning about the restoration side of things. Seeing how things fall apart (or don't) offers many lessons on how to put them together in the first place:) I appreciate your approach and will continue to watch. Cheers

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Exactly right - what to do and what NOT to do!

What a beautiful work of art...the original and the sympathetic repairs as well. Blessings!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Lovely heirloom! Always amazed and gratified at the care you take with each piece you work on!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Another great video from Thomas Johnson!! Thanks so much!! ✝✡

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! I appreciate you always watching and commenting!

Love's labor restored, and on Valentine's Day no less!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I didn't make the Valentine's connection!

As always Tom excellent work I think you were right not to refinish thanks for posting

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Exactly , being patient is what it takes. I think that's pretty good.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Repeating myself: I really enjoy watching these repairs.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! And I enjoy the fact that you're watching!

Absolutely beautiful delicate restoration , I think you are right not to 're finish it , I think the visable age in some pieces make them more beautiful , a hundred years of life should leave some marks , lovley video Thomas , it looks pretty good indeed , stunning !

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

A real restauration work of love, it has recovered all the beauty and functionallity still preserving the its history with respect ! Bravo ! The gran-child will treasure it forever ...

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Well said! Thank you!

Impressive spare beading box. Nice renovation owner should be pleased.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! They are!

A really superb restoration that keeps the character intact. Thanks.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Tellement agréable de vous voir si respectueux de votre travail et de la demande de votre commanditaire de garder la patine de cette écritoire. Bravo !

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Je vous remercie! Je vous en suis reconnaissant

Tom, your closing remarks say it all about the art of restoration, both in terms of the skills and techniques you use and the attitude of respect toward the antique itself and the deep meaning it has to the owners. Some of those old 'mileposts' sit crooked but firm; Better that than supplanted and forgotten. Your work is very much appreciated and admired. Thanks for sharing it with us.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! I appreciate your kind words

Wow. Good job on the lap desk. 🤩🤩🤩

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you 🤗

enjoy this detail and intensive use of your skills, txs for sharing

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

You are a master of your craft! Well done!!!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Turned out just beautiful.

@johnsonrestoration

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Beautiful repair! So glad you didn't fully restore the finish. The 100 year old patina from those who used it is what makes it a treasure!! Pats to Ella!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! And I will!

Another Great job Thomas. Thankyou.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Very welcome!

Really enjoyed watching; incredible attention to small detail. Though a COMPLETE amateur woodworker, boy do I learn and understand a lot watching you...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Hello Thomas like many others who repair antiques best repair is the minimal repairs as not to over kill

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Luckily, this box doesn't really need to function "perfectly"

A difficult job, but a great outcome 😃

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Awsome video as always! Thank You for making those!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

I just retired I owned a couple of car repair shops and a restomod shop I have watched this man making things beautiful again so I thought I'm gonna try this it is a great hobby very absorbing unfortunately I dont know how I have made so far firewood so I'm taking a course at a community College and I will continue to watch this show oh everything I wrecked was out of a dumpster and about 5 years old that wood bleach if used incorrectly will turn your project into firewood

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! A lot of auto finishing techniques transfer well to furniture finishing. Good luck!

A beautiful transformation Tom

@johnsonrestoration

5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Knowing when to not go to far into a repair shows real wisdom. Great job and thanks for posting!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Turned out great Mr. Johnson! Keep up the great work. I really enjoy learning from your expertise

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@boonewyatt8236

4 жыл бұрын

Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration I recently started a KZread channel trying to demonstrate how to repair more modern furniture since it is always breaking, and I have a lot more respect for all of the KZreadrs who make an edit their videos every week! So much work

I want to think you still find joy in what you're doing; it's satisfying work, and can earn a modest living, but there's something special about bringing these old things back to life that I'm hoping you'll say stays special over the years. Thank you for giving me these videos.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! And I appreciate you watching!

Wonderful video with a great outcome, Thank you.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

What a lovely tribute to this family...and congratulations to the young couple and their upcoming wedding! Happy Valentines Day!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! And to you too!

Well done Thomas,excellent job.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Great job Thomas shame about the few snags but there you are , you have a nice day !!!.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You too!

Now that box needs some antique fountain pens inside. Fun to watch. Thanks again.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

That's a good idea! Thanks

Perfect!!!!

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Beautiful!!!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

*You handle this antique with a great deal of respect. Very nice job, Tom!*

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I absolutely love your work!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad! Thanks!

An interesting case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Good way to put it

I am so sentimental about passing down of family treasures; this nearly brought tears to my eyes. I hope the newlyweds were thrilled to receive this most precious gift. You did a beautiful and loving restoration on the gorgeous piece.

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate it. And it worked out well at the wedding, everyone’s happy!

Great work. Thanks Thomas.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Beautiful job!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Fantastic!!! What a skill to have.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

It is always a pleasure to watch you work. A reminder of true craftsmanship.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Love your restauration as much as your dog and chicken !

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! me too!

Awesome work. Loved it. Thanks. 🇦🇺

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Awesome!

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you, Tom. Nice work.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Complimenti per il lavoro un saluto dall'Italia 👏👏👏

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Grazie! Adoriamo l'Italia. Eravamo a Bologna lo scorso ottobre. Saluti in Italia!

What a great job you do. Love to watch you working on all kind of projects.

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

So interesting to see these repairs, and so nice to see there are still true craftsmen around!!. The people of Maine are lucky to have a shop like this around!!

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm lucky they'll have me!

Inspiring work

@johnsonrestoration

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Awesome job. 💚👽

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Im interested to watch all the videos now..😂 it very detailed and i really love the outcome. I wish my teacher is like him..

@johnsonrestoration

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! 😀