Here we have a beautiful French figured walnut side table from the 19th Century. This table arrived with numerous pieces of walnut edge molding, kingwood veneer and cross banding missing. Firstly, we had to select the appropriate timber to enable the correct repairs, this timber was sourced from previously reclaimed antique pieces purchased for its timber.
Initially, we cut the timber to match the grain in the table, and each piece was glue and clamped into place using traditional wood glue. Once dried, the clamps were removed and the edge pieces carved to register with the surrounding area. The missing veneers were cut and inserted, being stuck down using the same glue. We also had to glue down a number of bubbles in the top veneer, and this was achieved using heated wooden blocks. Finally, once all the timber repairs had taken place we had to prepare the table for French polishing. In 1820, a new practice imported from France came into favour. It was the use of shellac, which comes from the shells of the lac beetle. The shellac, which was dissolved in spirit, was applied layer by layer, giving a hard, glossy finish. This table had most of its original French polish. We now needed to colour and match the polish, paying close attention to the table’s existing patination. The term patination can be best described as the history of a piece mirrored in its surface colour and shine. In doing so, we have now revived the table to its former glory.
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