To Restore or Not to Restore…that is the question

Thanks, in part, to the popularity of Antiques Road Show, there are an ever increasing number of people interested and aware of antique furniture and the important factors involved in determining value. Most popular among these factors is the originality of a piece’s surface. 

Bronze Console Tables, Denmark 18th Century

Retail value:  $25,000/pair Length 28", width 16", height 32". Minor repairs.
 

How many times have we heard Leigh and Leslie Keno tell an unsuspecting antique owner that if his or her piece had a original finish it would be worth tens of thousands of dollars, instead of the mere several thousand that they estimate the value to be? While exchanges such as these between the famous antiquarians and unsuspecting owners makes for good (in an admittingly geeky kind of way) T.V. drama, the fact is that the original finish of most pieces of antique furniture was covered in some way within a few years of its creation.  The most important issue or factor is how the old finish (not original but old) has been treated over the years and how friendly the environment was in which it lived. 

   

Gustavian Commode with veneered rosewood and fruit wood inlay with gilded brass.Minor repairs.

Retail value:  $15,000  Length 37", width 19", depth 33"  

Common household maintenance practices from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century, as supported by documented journals, ledgers and advertisements, tell us that acceptable household cleaning principals supported and instructed the application of additional layers of wax, shellacs and paint as a method of improving the surface, its light reflective qualities and durability. It is this cleaning and maintenance at the infancy of the furniture’s life, innocent as it may be, that covered the original finish. 

 Swedish Rococo Commode attributed to J. Neijber with rosewood and fruit wood veneer, 

gilded brass and topped with red limestone. Minor repairs to legs.  

Retail value: $19,000 Length 35", Width 20", Height 33"         

Varnished, Lacquered & Waxed Finishes

These finish types are used as a lens to cover and protect the wood surface. Their composition is complex and often difficult to truly distinguish without the aid of scientific analysis. Many will hypothesize, using years of experience and keenly trained eyes as the basis of their opinions, but the reality is even the most respected experts in the field (if they are humble) will not identify or declare with certainty, the multifaceted finish composition without the support of industry accepted analysis. These finishes are composed of resins (amber, rosin, shellac, or sandarac) that have been mixed with a solvent (alcohol or turpentine), oil or waxes (bee or petroleum). These surfaces are organic and vulnerable to environmental irritants such as dust, light, water and heat and will degrade over time. This degradation can take on several forms. Sometimes it will be an alteration in the color of the finish or the accumulation of environmental pollutants also known humorously and unaffectionately as “crud”. It is this unfortunate cocktail that interferes with the beauty and value of an antique piece in modern times. 

Swedish Empire armchairs in birch wood with curved back and signed 'AH'.
Minor repairs and additions.  Retail value:  $2,500  

When important and beautiful woods are chosen for the composition of antique furniture, the cabinet makers’ intention was usually to create a simple design that focuses the attention on the visual importance of the wood. When the finish, or lens, becomes degraded the originally intended focus on the wood’s beauty is obscured. It is this visual block that causes conflict and begins the controversial dialog “to restore or not to restore”.  

Swedish Marieberg Rococo faience tea table with painted wood base.  Cracks and retouching  

Retail value:  $25,000 Length 30", Width 20", Height 30"

At Avolli we offer antique furniture in a variety of finishes and conditions. Whenever possible we acquire pieces in their old condition and celebrate the protected and cherished life they have had. However not all, and in fact most, do not lead such a protected life and environmental irritants have caused damage to their finish that dramatically interferes with the visual and sometimes functional value. When this is the case, experienced and careful restoration is employed in Sweden and Denmark to bring the original beauty and visual intent back to the piece. This does not negatively impact the value of any piece we carry but enhances the value and usability.

Swedish Rococo Writing Desk completely authentically restored with green paint.
Retail value:  $19,000 Length 53", Width 26", Height 30"                

Embrace the restored beauty and celebrate its reincarnation to the magnificence originally intended!

Decorator Show House

A few years ago I had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Old York Historical Society Decorator Show House.  The Old York Historical society is now in its 21st year of hosting this fundraising event and this year it is sure to be as wonderful as every year before. 

The year that Avolli participated I was fortunate enough to be selected by Joyce Jordan Interiors as the primary supplier to her dining room in the beautiful Dover Bluff ‘cottage’ that sat on the rocky banks of York Beach.  With breathtaking views and plenty of space for a family to spread out and enjoy the summer in Maine, Joyce embraced creating a Swedish dining room with a Maine flavor.

The walls were painted a warm white and the floor was covered in a gorgeous sea grass rug.  The white painted furniture, gilt & marble console table, Danish Bornholm clock, and crystal chandelier with cobalt blue glass all created a fresh interpretation of a traditional and historic space.

Antique Chairs

 The lemon yellow & white striped drapes were refreshing and worked particularly well with the lovely yellow, white and blue china and flatware.  The spectacular Swedish cupboard, with fluted door panels, diamond mullions, and dentil molding details, anchored the room and provided a practical application to the space.

Overall this dining room spoke to visitors with a quiet voice that whispered a welcoming reception into a graceful and inviting space.