Wood Talkin: May 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A QUESTION OF IDENTITY

Quite occasionally we get a piece that has no identification. (It's sorta like you or I getting stopped for a traffic violation and not having a drivers license or proof of insurance.) No, I'm not arresting or citing anyone for bringing a piece in the door that has no manufacturer's identifying marks, but I'm always wondering...wondering. "Who put this piece together?"

Recently these pieces (covered, right) arrived in the shop. They are very obviously well made and very upscale in the quality of their finish. So it's always nice to put a "name on the face" so to speak. The tops of these two bedside tables needed to be refinished; several other areas on each piece had suffered similar damage. The lacquer finish is still very much alive, suggesting they were manufactured within the past 10 years or so.

These two came with a similarly finished Sleigh Bed designed headboard and matching foot-board. Their top horizontal rails (not yet pictured) are being stripped and refinished to remove several scars and dents and then the vertical posts will be be touched-up.

These will be followed into the shop by two standing dressers. They complete the set. Their arrival in the shop is anticipated just as soon as these items are completed and deliverable--ready to trade them places.

Sometimes the wood doesn't say as much as we'd like it to. Hmmm, some people are that way too, huh.

That's Wood Talkin for today.

Dick

Specializing in simple or elaborate refinishing to preserve your family heirlooms and antiques.

I learned an important lesson years ago as an apprentice repair and furniture technician in the Northwest : People generally have an emotional attachment to their furniture. In the "Wood Talkin" Shop, that attachment will always be appreciated and respected.

The furniture repair and refinishing effort is both a science and an art. It "discovers" a character and takes on a personality of its own. The discovery process informs the repair and refinishing activities that proceed from it.
...Discovery begins in good, ongoing communication with our customers: what do they want, need, and what do they expect of us and of the outcome?
...The work begins with our developing a familiarity with the piece, its creation or manufacture, its function and its history--maybe some revelations our customer does not even know.
...The work proceeds collaboratively toward a predetermined outcome based on the information gathered from the customer, the piece, and its available history.
...The work progresses in a stream of "dialogue" with the piece. It's a dialogue that we anticipate and respect.
...A celebration reunites our customer with the refinished piece. It punctuates our success and anticipates our customer's long-term satisfaction.

At "Wood Talkin" we know it is a privilege to serve our customers. Consequently, we unconditionally guarantee that the work we do meets or exceeds industry standards. If you are not satisfied with the quality of some process, material, or service we have provided, we will make every reasonable, collaborative effort to retain your confidence, ally your trust, and realize your satisfaction.

Wood Talkin

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A QUESTION OF IDENTITY

Specializing in simple or elaborate refinishing to preserve your family heirlooms and antiques.

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