Restoring a Lap Desk - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone: today Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine gently restores this uncommonly handsome family heirloom, a slope box lap desk made a century ago by a cabinetmaker for his wife, soon to be given again at a descendent's upcoming wedding. We wish the happy couple the best! Tom has been restoring furniture professionally since 1979. Visit our website at www.thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or write us at [e-mail]. And for those on the west coast looking for custom framing, be sure to check out Tom's daughter's shop, www.emcollier.com (@emcollierframes on Instagram).

[@filmbluff99]

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]

Thanks! That is really neat. The owners of the chest in this video didn't know: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5DCiXqkmLuVg5Y

[@mikebarton3218]

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]

You're welcome! Glad to have helped!

[@skdinterceptor2828]

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]

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

[@oldproji]

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]

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

[@bullrun44]

An absolutely beautiful job

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@kostasevagelidis]

«...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]

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

[@kostasevagelidis]

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

[@antsquirly7654]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@sammyjo8109]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It is!

[@terrystephens1102]

Wonderful to have a genuine family antique. 😃👌👌

[@johnsonrestoration]

It really is! Thanks!

[@afisher555]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@kaycox5555]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Bigteddy552]

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 KZbin 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]

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!

[@barrynash5565]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@cogidubnus1953]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@rodneyfrost1674]

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]

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

[@auntiear126]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

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

[@167curly]

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]

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

[@suestracks]

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]

Thanks!

[@willemstreutgers1154]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@flckrme]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@yeagerxp]

Beautiful restoration 👍👍👍. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@terrancetenley2786]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@AJsWargaming]

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]

Thanks! Well said!

[@missionron]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Move to Maine!

[@michaelcaputo3648]

Beautiful job sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@donaldmackay6749]

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]

You are welcome! I appreciate your input

[@09gearchange]

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]

Thank you!

[@kenstubbs7871]

Show me new leather for writing slopes

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

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]

You're very welcome!

[@ronmack1767]

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]

You're welcome!

[@jorisdemoel3821]

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]

You're welcome! I appreciate it!

[@mrsseasea]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@gav2759]

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]

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

[@davecharlesworth8176]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are!

[@carlosmartineztoledano2433]

I shall try to say it in my poor english Thomas this one is a " surgery " job, is amazing, my respect you are very great

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@robynwilliams8110]

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]

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

[@Dan-jq8se]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jacobsonconstruction]

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]

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

[@Lara-gj1du]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I think so too

[@zagoista1]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@joann5157]

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]

Thank you! And I will!

[@rosemarshall1219]

Love your restauration as much as your dog and chicken !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@silvanaabela9803]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kennethleslie9414]

A beautiful transformation Tom

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@reynaldchapuis6132]

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]

Je vous remercie! Je vous en suis reconnaissant

[@semper9492]

It is so refreshing to watch someone who cares about fine wood and old furniture instead of all those people making "paint it white" videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, and someday it all has to be stripped

[@Joe1935429]

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]

You are very welcome! I appreciate your kind words

[@Ferdy1969]

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]

Well said! Thank you!

[@rwe2156]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Good one!

[@JoelWetzel]

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]

You're welcome! And I appreciate you watching!

[@rick91443]

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]

Thanks!

[@kathyaalrust3665]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And to you too!

[@toomaskotkas4467]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good way to put it

[@karenrobb9612]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@maggiesue4825]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@yeeeehaaawbuddy]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelsworld6292]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@loislewis9900]

Wow. Good job on the lap desk. 🤩🤩🤩

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you 🤗

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Great work as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@rockysmith9250]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

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

[@52memor]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@paul1x1]

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]

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

[@sarahewitt1226]

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]

Thank you!

[@wayneshirey6999]

Repeating myself: I really enjoy watching these repairs.

[@johnsonrestoration]

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

[@judithburke1539]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mickyjb2003]

Another Great job Thomas. Thankyou.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome!

[@collettedobrocke5585]

Turned out just beautiful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lg-vw7hz]

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]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@trevorhall9524]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I hope so!

[@TreksofTrish]

Watching you work, is like watching music. What an interesting piece of history.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@charlescastillo8870]

I'm so into this video I find myself blowing off sawdust from the drill holes and pulling masking tape on the screen, thanks Tom for letting me work with you. LOL

[@johnsonrestoration]

Very welcome! You're not the first one to say that!

[@cellgrrl]

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]

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

[@mickyjb2003]

Well done Thomas,excellent job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@mwallace2922]

Awesome work. Loved it. Thanks. 🇦🇺

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@KPA78]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Cradley684]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! You too!

[@whall6101]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

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

[@ferraridinoman]

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]

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

[@janjohansenmusic]

I have 50 channels on my TV. What do I watch to feel good? Thomas Johnson refurbish antique furniture 🪑 😀 Furniture, Cars, Guitars and 80’s synths beats Ex On the beach and Desperate Housewives!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! That's some tough competition! I appreciate it!

[@iainmacinnes1660]

A difficult job, but a great outcome 😃

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@beanhole69]

What I like most about Thomas Johnson is he doesn't talk about fight club.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Now I've got to go look that up!

[@johnfox4691]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@randyattwood]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

That's a good idea! Thanks

[@JoseMartinez-og2hy]

You did the right thing to leave the original finish . Looks great👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@juadonna]

Good thing you have a LOT of clamps! First time watching your channel. Subscribed! Always enjoy watching a Master at work. I have a new backlog of videos to watch now. Greetings from Florida.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks for the sub! Greetings to you too!

[@odileabriel8052]

Hello de France 😍😘 you are the best !!!!❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Salutations à la France!

[@paulmaryon9088]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@nashvillain171]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michael7v6]

Fantastic!!! What a skill to have.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you very much!

[@jpjpvds]

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]

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

[@tonchwho7816]

Great work. Thanks Thomas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@jasonngviva]

it's more than pretty good. it's pretty and good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@alexadenuga8253]

This had lots of the elements I enjoy the channel for. First the care, attention to detail and patience whilst working on the piece. And also seeing a beautiful piece of furniture I never knew existed. Always a joy seeing your work Tom. Thank you for sharing

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@georgecronin3592]

Tom, many thanks for sharing your years of experience with us. Your shop gives me a warm feeling of days gone by, and great memories of hours spent amongst the various aromas of wood, and stuff in glass jars.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are welcome! I know what you mean, I love it when I walk into the shop and it smells just like my Dad's shop

[@georgecronin3592]

Many thanks for the reply Tom. George.

[@Siminfrance]

Beautiful work again, thanks!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@angelamaro1693]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@exileinderby51]

In the words of Tom Johnson, the video looks pretty good!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@dr.skipkazarian5556]

Hi Tom....another great lesson in patience and restraint.....understanding when the piece has been restored as far as it should be. Best wishes, stay warm, and hugs for the black Lab!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! And I will!

[@paulstanding7267]

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

[@johnsonrestoration]

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

[@xw6968]

The imperfection is its beauty.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I wish I had said that!