Ep. 109 The Restoration Story You Won't Forget...Antique Furniture Restoration

[@MadCityModern]

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[@markwalker8868]

Try using the Minwax prestain wood conditioner before you use that stain again. It not only helps with wood porosity but it also provides a great undertone for darker stains. Then to tone down the sheen of the shellac use the Minwax natural finishing wax.

[@nicolemoore8120]

That’s a gorgeous story, Barry!

[@twistoffate4791]

Barry, I'm new to your channel, and I have a question you have probably already answered in a past video: Do you take customers? Is this your personal restoration business?

[@AuntieAM1]

Every piece of wood remembers when it was a tree, that's why the old pieces are precious. ❤

[@Ann-vi5ns]

Beautifully said!

[@amyloueliza]

Beautifully said x

[@amyloueliza]

Snap

[@ironcatalystcs]

I've said it numerous times on your videos Barry, you are the Bob Ross of furniture restoration. You're also a good storyteller, and I thoroughly appreciate your videos and the skill it takes to make something worthwhile, good job sir

[@MadCityModern]

This is special

[@delvingmind]

OMG, I love it…he really is the Bob Ross of furniture restoration!! I have found that my favorite channels are with those that share stories in a voiceover rather than that horrible royalty free music!! I’d rather listen to a bad storyteller than hear that canned music! Thankfully Barry is a great storyteller and furniture magician! ❤️

[@GaiaCarney]

🐴 Barry @MadCityModern , like Bob Ross, is a teacher 🕊 I really Mission style pieces with the classic dark stain, oak is beautiful

[@ulrike6000]

❤ wow! 👍

[@Joycat510]

So true!

[@sandragolightly5844]

Beautiful. A cousin who was downsizing her possessions called me to come pickup an old library table/desk. Turns out it is over 100 years old and had belonged to my great-great grandmother. It was one of her 3 possessions she took with her when she had to move in with her daughter. I am so happy to have it and use it as my desk now.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

The married couple the supported you ... "Mom and Dad". That touches my heart. So sweet

[@donnaezell2161]

... and Maureen for the hand sander.

[@JonWolaver]

touched my heart as well, a consumate story teller

[@darylratliff3959]

I'd like to say that I think the "old" couple who bought the table for $8 raised quite a caring, thoughtful and talented son. They did a great job, just like you did in restoring this piece of furniture! (Cindy R)

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you Cindy

[@ninoskae]

Oh Barry I chocked up when you thanked that “couple” aka mom and dad for all their support. You are the consummate renaissance man not just with the refinishing of furniture. Your editing and story telling puts you in a very unique league in this KZbin world. I can see you writing a movie script and editing it with your meticulous eye for the best angle. Once again Bravo Sir 👏🏽👏🏽

[@bettenotap4791]

You did such a thorough job taking it apart, the cleaning of the screws was especially satisfying. Nice job Barry. Thanks for mentioning the back story, it’s very sweet.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much 😊

[@justjulee9135]

Thank you! The love you showed in this video for not only the writing table, but your parents as well, made my heart smile. You are one in a million ❤️

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Yea, he is! Or maybe one in a trillion!

[@carsonhc305]

The drawer-pull alone takes it up another level.

[@MarshaSaunders-ym1gj]

Barry, I have always been drawn to items made with unpainted wood. But until this video of the restoration of this writing desk, I didn’t know the beauty of the wood could bring tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing your skill, talent and heart.

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

The second you mentioned that the couple that purchased this table for $8 had supported your dreams, I knew it had to be your parents. This project is a beautiful tribute to them and the upstanding young man they have raised. I love your attention to detail and your respect for good craftsmanship. I really love the wood grain that you revealed and preserved, and the hardware is beautiful. I can picture that cute little drawer, once filled with pens and ink, now filled with flash drives that have been used to store files from the computer.

[@fraserwrobb3075]

Mission/Arts and Crafts is my absolute favorite style and era of furniture design. I used to frequently see library tables like this in thrift stores and garage sales,but not so many lately. I hope that means that they've all been rescued. You did a great job saving this one.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this comment. Thank you. I have many mid century pieces to restore but I’ve enjoyed other styles as well. The Mission/Arts and Crafts Style is one of my new favorites.

[@fraserwrobb3075]

Saw the brass horse at 12:06!

[@MadCityModern]

@@fraserwrobb3075 that was actually a larger horse on the floor. You missed the first site of the small horse by a few seconds 😂

[@fraserwrobb3075]

@@MadCityModern what's nice about art deco and mcm is that both styles carried forth with the concepts from arts and crafts, showing off the materials and joinery

[@vickiel914]

Another well-done restoration from you, Barry. You put your heart and soul into each piece. Thank Mom and Dad for picking that piece up for you!

[@MadCityModern]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hughmartin6618]

Barry your Mom and Dad must be so proud of you. Your taste and sensitivity are wonderful. You really understand the furniture you transform.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@LL-sw7qj]

I have restored many arts and crafts style furniture pieces! My house is full of it! No big name pieces, just reproductions, still solid and beautiful! ❤

[@MadCityModern]

That is awesome!

[@rosatrevino1930]

As usual, you did a magnificent job!! Such a beautiful writing table and interesting story to go with it. Well done!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@shirleypedersen7406]

Such a beautiful restoration Barry and the story behind it is as equally beautiful. 👏👏👏👏

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much 😊

[@eveb446]

Thank you Barry, for restoring this beautiful desk. Thank you to your Mom and Dad for finding this beautiful desk, for you.

[@audrey04021]

Barry! You left me with happy tears on this one. 🥰

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Sniff, sniff. You’re amazing, Barry, in so many ways! I hope you will introduce your parents to us someday so we can see the wonderful couple who raised such a lovely son that blesses the world.

[@SisterShirley]

Yes to all that you said❤

[@vickiwood9192]

My brother-in-law have an almost-identical oak mission writing desk that was passed down to him from his late father. Beautiful tables, touching stories.

[@cecoya]

This desk is beautiful and can be used for many years to come. The past is always important to the future, history repeats itself throughout time. Whether writing, typing, or a new dining table with a silverware drawer, this desk is ready. So much of the older furniture is lost and it takes someone like you to bring it back to life. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day

[@tonipope3164]

For 8 dollars and a LOT of love this little beauty gets a life again. I was given a writing desk for a Christmas gift when I was 10... I used it for many of my life stories...and have passed it to my granddaughter....where she continues the story. Thank you again for sharing...love what you do! Blessings to you.

[@villagesteader3552]

Oak is my favorite wood, I’m so happy you chose to keep dark traditional finish for this writing table. Your talents grow with every video. Not only your refinishing but your videography and storytelling abilities grow right alongside each other and intertwine to weave a spell over this viewer. Never stop following your dreams. I know your parents must be very proud of you. ♥️👍

[@GeorgeWTush]

Barry. The handsomest man on the internet and he has the biggest heart, too. Beautiful work on that lovely desk. Bravo!

[@tallblonde1976]

I love this beautiful desk. You did a wonderful job restoring it, thank you!

[@SewTexas]

No finish compares to that of the natural wood being the star! Lovely writing table. So enjoy watching you bringing back life into old loved woods! Thanks.

[@BunnyLang]

Such a lovely story, thank you for taking me on this adventure.

[@davidreed1358]

This was my favorite, among many, of your projects and, in particular the back story of a gift from parents to son. Thank you!

[@MadCityModern]

Wow, thank you!

[@pitsnipe5559]

That writing table turned out great. Your folks knew you could make it better than it was when new. Enjoy both the restorations and the stories that go with them. Remember to always cherish the times with your parents so you will have wonderful memories later.

[@trevarnewighton2954]

I’m so pleased you took it back to the original finish

[@dbhertz]

I used to watch your videos with my older daughter, but recently my younger daughter has started watching them with me as well. They both love your soothing voice and the way you narrate the process, and it helps them calm down and unwind before bedtime. Thank you so much for continuing to make these wonderful videos from me (Dan), Ellie, and Katherine.

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks for sharing Dan, Ellie, and Katherine!

[@pegm5937]

I love the drama of your videos, the storytelling, the humanness brought to each piece. I thoroughly enjoy watching ❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks, I try to tell a story with each piece and its journey.

[@statewench2828]

Barry tis is my second favorite style of furniture. Second to Danish Modern. Thanks to your loving parents for supporting you on your new profession and for raising such a loving son. You bring joy to your viewers and especially to us older generation knowing that with young men like yourself our country will be in good hands during the next generation. GOD Bless you.

[@jodidavis6595]

Ya had me choked up revealing the older couple who purchased this writing table was your parents 🥹❤️ No one tells a story like you. Besides the incredible restoration you do I think it’s the story and background music that I look forward to the most. Your staging, filming and editing and your home is so beautiful. Thank you for the time and effort you put into giving us super content Barry. You are so appreciated 🇺🇸❤️

[@susannesteinbock1639]

Thank you, Barry, for this wonderful restauration, for your wise and human thoughts and for the story of this beautiful desk.

[@maggiesue4825]

You, sir, are a true story-teller. This one made me cry. A beautiful result, and a beautiful story!

[@kayeeiland4167]

Love these "Rising From The Ashes" restorations ! It takes a special craftsman to see the original beauty in a misused item and then to restore , rather than trash , that piece . Thank you and your parents for bringing us along on this satisfying journey !

[@davidhood4776]

I am a furniture maker in my spare time, and I enjoy replicating antique pieces. Watching you bring life back to this desk was fun. Your other pieces in your shop are beautiful.

[@damienjohnson7260]

I love antique furniture.

[@MadCityModern]

Me too

[@damienjohnson7260]

@@MadCityModern ❤️

[@damienjohnson7260]

@MadCityModern hello, how was christmas for you.

[@DrPsyc71]

Oh, that's lovely. I can see the generations of students using it in a library...from those who search the drawer for a forgotten inkwell, to those who need an eraser pencil, to those who use it as a laptop station. You have breathed new life into this piece. I hope you enjoy it! (And, it's lovely to hear that your parents support your dream!)

[@lindaknox6623]

You made the correct decision to pick the darker stain. You did a beautiful job of restoring the desk to it's original beauty.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@redrufus444]

OUTSTANDING Restoration..!! Looks Grand..!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@fredperry2358]

Beautiful work Barry. If I may share one tip I learned years ago to strip old shellac, varnish or paint. Use broken glass from windows to scrape the finish; it works much the same as metal tools but no need to sharpen, just snap off another section of glass and continue. Of course, use gloves for protection as the glass will sometimes break in your hands until you get used to using it. There is no chemical waste either to dispose of. Glass leaves the surface very smooth and can be broken into smaller pieces to reach corners, detailed areas, etc.

[@ΜαιρηΤριποδη]

Barry, besides the fact of being a mastercraftsman , you are a poet too. 🌹🌹❣️

[@mattlabishak4340]

The desk is beautiful, and the restoration story is amazing. Thanks for bringing this piece back to life. I love your workshop. Great job, Barry!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you!

[@Ami_Par]

It's a different kind of satisfaction when you restore something which belongs to the past. Awesome work brother. Please take care of these as much as possible. God bless you 😊❤

[@joyceclark8476]

Oh Barry, what a wonderful story. Marvelous work. The love from a Dad and Mom, priceless ❤❤❤❤. I was blessed to have had that as well. My best to you, Joyce ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@MadCityModern]

Wow, thank you

[@JAResto]

Thank you for sharing Barry. Parents are here to encourage you to be the best you can and push you to attain your dreams. Well done Mr. and Mrs. Barry! For encouraging your son to chase his dreams and for sharing him and his knowledge with the world. 👏👏👏👏

[@nancyanneberg403]

I am near tears hearing this treasure's latest journey to be used. Sitting here with Covid I think I can repair just like the desk. Given care and time. Thank you. Healing comes from many sources,doesn't it?

[@MadCityModern]

I love this. Hope you have a speedy recovery

[@VioletJoy]

What a beautiful tribute to your parents.🤎 I got chills. Barry is my favorite history teacher, storyteller, communication expert, and ASMR... oh yeah, and furniture restorer. It's gorgeous, Barry. I'm so glad you showed the bolts and screws. I was wondering if you were going to reuse them because they looked so sturdy. P.S. Love that eco-friendly product! That's awesome.

[@MadCityModern]

One of my favorite comments! Thank you for this 😊

[@VioletJoy]

​@@MadCityModern💜

[@cherylcarnes4207]

One word...Beautiful! Your pony appears 5 times for me. Thank you Barry.

[@gabriellacorbin3415]

Mom and Dad are the best ❤

[@alexandercormack6818]

Hi , this is the first time I have watched your channel, I am 68 yrs old and live in England in the county of Devon, where their are a lot of big old country houses . Seen some old marvellous pieces of furniture, the majority could do with your magic touch 😊 Love the way you tell a story whilst going about your work . Look after yourself , I am off to watch another of your videos.

[@MadCityModern]

Wow. Thank you for sharing this and welcome to the channel

[@dorothywalters7448]

I remember how I loved all the old oak furniture at my grandparents homes. I'm lucky to have 2 pieces my Dad made in high-school, a handy hall tree, and plant stand, both from around 1919 or so. Thanks for your love of wood.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for sharing this

[@chrissy24-7]

A beautiful restoration, described equally beautifully. ❤

[@polgarauk5606]

Thank you Barry's Mum and Dad both for the beautiful writing desk and an equally beautiful son 😊 Seeing the writing nib restored as well as the desk/table was a privilege as well as wonderful to watch x

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you. It was fun using a dip pen for the first time

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

As à fan of restoring antiques I do appreciate the passion and skills being passed on. A deep understanding of past materials and techniques is critical. New materials and techniques are welcomed. The aim is to prolong the existence of the artifact.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you for this

[@ViKee010]

Many creators talk on their videos to be talking or because they have a deep need to explore something within themselves besides their talent for the topic of the video. Some do so just to elicit a much needed comment. But most have never understood that the way to interact with their audience is to connect on a different level. Perhaps just a heartfelt moment is enough. I can tell, even though I’ve never watched your videos before, that you genuinely enjoy the connection and making us, your viewers, feel something. I don’t know you so when you told that the elderly couple was your Mom and Dad, it was a sweet surprise to me. I lost both my parents, in September 2020, 12 days apart, just days before what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. They did things like that for me as well. Special things that I miss so much. Cherish them Barry. Thanks for sharing your story and this special restoration. ✌🏻🤍🤞🏽

[@ERRNCAM1]

Barry, beautiful workmanship, and I love your Mom and Dad!

[@irenebecker4815]

"Thank you, Mom and Dad" -- touched me deeply. No wonder you're as kind as you are, Barry. Bless you. PS - I saw all the horses :D

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@Thatsinteresting363]

What a beautiful story and a beautiful soul-felt project❤❤❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@kellilandry2825]

Loved the backstory! To me, the history is what makes restoring these pieces so important.

[@Kmi4880]

Thank you Barry! The story of the desk and the support of your parents are wonderful. The desk is beautiful and I agree the darker traditional finish is perfect. I'm happy you have the love and support of your family in your new career. I look forward to all of your posts.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much

[@Wally535]

Eight years ago, visiting family in Galax VA over Labor Day, I saw a “dressing table” in the window of a consignment shop. It’s one of my favorite pieces of furniture! Until seeing this video I haven’t been certain about the wood or style. The piece, I believe, began life as a writing table, with the small, tri-fold mirror added later for use as a dressing table. It still has the tiny rollers on the legs, and they work. Thank you for a splendid video!

[@teresafacini6121]

As usual, you do not disappoint your viewers this was a beautiful story and wonderful restoration. I never tire of watching your videos and love the care you put into the work you do. Thanks Barry for the entertainment of your video. The desk reveal was great.

[@bfranklin1052]

At some point in each of your videos, I'm inevitably brought to tears. This time, it was at, 'Thank you, Mom and Dad'. I find your videos are so compelling in themselves, I never spot the hidden special items. Thank you, Barry, for the wonderful treasure of your videos.

[@MadCityModern]

Wow, thank you

[@janetdwyer4492]

What a very nice table! The problem with so many old desks are that they’re too big for our homes - too deep to be practical. This one is an ideal size to use as a modern computer desk. And it’s lovely, too! So glad you reused that stunning handle on the drawer.

[@MadCityModern]

Love this feedback

[@okjoe5561]

Funny, I used the hose outside to rise off wood projects or clean dirty pieces since I was a kid. "It will warp the wood", "What the h*ll do you know?" I left it in the sun to dry but blowing off the excess, even with a can of compressed air, is an excellent idea. This is how we learn new things.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this

[@joannawalsh6997]

Such patience and detail, even with the original screws...! Lovely work...lovely storytelling. Well done Barry..! .💕

[@mitymous1]

Great story and as always, beautiful work!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you 😊

[@franknavin2463]

Considering the bolts and screws showed me that you have good character.

[@mimialvarez6010]

absolutely beautiful. Thank you!!!!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you too

[@katherineh2633]

I like that you like the simplicity of things . Im sure your mom and dad are proud of you ! Great job, Barry 😊

[@philrose7716]

That heater is amazing does it make breakfast in the morning?

[@MadCityModern]

I wish

[@MinnieEvans-m6r]

I love that style! So happy you brought it back to life😊

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@sharontrujillo]

Dude....why you gotta make me cry!!! 🤧

[@VeretenoVids]

Mom and Dad have a good eye! And a good son. 😍 (I live in a house of that writing table's era. I love arts & crafts styles so much!)

[@donnashelley3939]

Barry, wonderful segment. I have been a museum curator for most of my career and it warms my heart to see how lovingly and reverently you approach your projects. I also earn a living as a writer. This story was just the tonic I needed today. Thank you.

[@SisterShirley]

If Barry doesn't give you a "Wow!..Thank you." I will. Great comment. Wow!. Thank you Donna Shelley

[@donnashelley3939]

@@SisterShirley Thank you and cheers!

[@Mimi-ry4dt]

Exquisite, Barry. You did the desk justice by choosing the dark color.

[@patriciamay638]

Thank you for your humor. "Irreversable painted disaster". I'll be giggling for a while.

[@MadCityModern]

I’ve had a few of those 😊

[@patriciamay638]

​@MadCityModern it was the candor.

[@SillySallySarah]

Today was a pensive rainy fall day here in Wyoming. With the first hard frost predicted for tonight, I was comforted by this video that was suggested to me. With a gentle thoughtfulness to each shot and soothing voice over, I was drawn into the story. I thought of my mom, who refinished many old oak pieces when I was young. She would have approved of the color of stain and the preservation of the drawer pull. I teared up at the end, when the book with the title, "Library" was set on the table, as my mom was a librarian for 28 years. Thank you, Barry.

[@MadCityModern]

Wow. This comment is so special for many reasons. I have been to Wyoming many times and it is one of my favorite places.

[@ldrumhel]

Your story brought me close to the memory of my late brother, who was self-taught and restored on occasion, so lucky was I!

[@MadCityModern]

Hope you enjoyed this

[@ServraghGiorsal]

" IRRE🎉VERSIBLE PAINTED DIAASTERS. " YOU'VE GOT THAT RIGHT. IM NOT AVERSE TO PAINTING, STENCILING OR APPLIQUEING. Older damaged or less valuable piecès. . However, painting and gilding a perfect (near ) 18th century piece. Fuchsia or grey, upsets me. Within 50 years real wood pieces will be very hard to find. . And removing all that 6:30 paint takes a toll on the wood.😮😮😮

[@phyllisgiaconia5852]

Barry. I love this desk. Mission style furniture is my favorite. Thanks for the care you always show your projects.

[@MadCityModern]

My pleasure!

[@dredra7160]

I fell in love with mIssion oak furniture as a child. We had a big mission oak leather chair and sofa at our summer cabin that was a place for outdated things to go in the 1960's. My parents were going to get rid of them in the 80's but luckily I still have them restored in my home. I still appreciate them every day, and the oak is so strong and beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful video.❤

[@victoriaguckian8578]

Thanks Barry. I find your videos relaxing. Thank you!

[@susettedavis]

This furniture piece is an absolute work of excellent craftsmanship! From the making of this piece to the restoration of it. You made the right decision!❤❤❤❤❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you very much!

[@cliftondavies5094]

The horse appeared 4 times. Beautiful job on the desk, what an amazing transformation!!

[@SammiJoReviews]

I found all three of your horses! How absolutely cool. Thank you for restoring & sharing the restoration of this beautiful writing desk. My daughters & even my husband teases me because I love the warmth that natural wood brings to every aspect of life. Our home has many wood pieces of trim that they would paint, only I won’t allow it. 😊 the writing nib was a wonderful addition. I used to write a dozen or more notes & letters a year using dip pens. I’d seal them with an antique Tibetan seal of a lotus blossom, then I’d pay extra shipping for the post office to hand stamp them for delivery rather than run them through machines. It’s been several years since I’ve written any. Your video might be the bump I needed to do so again. Again, thanks for the trip through this restoration. There isn’t much more wondrous than a well used writing desk.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this comment

[@candacecampbell3542]

I love your story and the tone of your voice! It brought tears to my eyes when you said the old couple was Mom and Dad! ❤️ Your workmanship is beautiful!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@jeanettepaynter1183]

Thank you for the beautiful story. The desk looks gorgeous.

[@MadCityModern]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rachealsmith5138]

I absolutely love your wonderful contemplation when you restore pieces! This was a very heartfelt piece and thank you for sharing it with us!! Looks beautiful!! ❤😊❤

[@fannycraddock99]

It's a beautiful story Barry and of course another beautiful restoration. Stay safe.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you kindly

[@evelyntanswell3311]

This little writing table turned out to be utterly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work on it's restoration. ❤

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you so much!

[@susanstork8501]

I know it’s not fashionable right now, but arts and crafts/mission furniture is my favorite style and quarter sawn oak is my favorite wood. I love that you gave this piece such a beautiful restoration- thanks, Barry!

[@clairewright8153]

That is the sweetest story, tears of joy and admiration fill my eyes. A small gift that means so much more than the $8 purchase price. As always another great job of restoring a beautifully crafted writing desk.

[@Becky-nn3pu]

Gorgeous! Just gorgeous! It is so good to see the restoration of a piece of history and not have it painted over. I love the dark stain. It is beautiful.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you very much!

[@Mrzeee999]

BARRY YOU'RE SO PASSIONATE, OH DEAR

[@smalltowngal-q6f]

Wow, so impressed with how thorough you are. I never would have thought about cleaning the screws. You did such an amazing job!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!