Who DID This!? - Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration

Tom Johnson of Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration in Gorham, Maine restores a handsome pair of antique Sussex Chairs that have undergone a questionable customization. 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).

[@paulsullivan6392]

"I think they look pretty good." A major understatement by a master furniture restorer. Well done sir...well done.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@karencooper9185]

❤️❤️❤️your videos...no music, just craftsmanship, talent and educational. Absolute perfection. Thank you for preserving and staying true to the original craftsmanship of these beautiful chairs.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@dennisgros4962]

Agreed. Music is totally unnecessary with many videos.

[@teresamitchell8270]

Not only is Thomas an artist at restoration, he has an artist’s eye for tint and color as he matches the new wood with the old. He is amazing!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That’s nice

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

I love your definition of 'living dangerously'🤣🤣

[@johnsonrestoration]

Always! Thanks!

[@febobartoli]

Tom, every one of these videos is a master class to show the proper way to restore antiques and what mistakes to avoid. Thanks for sharing the expertise you have accumulated over your lifetime!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I appreciate it

[@rtk3543]

KZbin sent me here no idea why but I was engrossed from start to finish, what a great craftsman, lovely work, we need to keep these skills alive. cheers.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@cobberpete1]

I don't think I have seen a chair with so many parts. And artfully restored. Thanks again for the education.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! Yes, I'm glad I marked them!

[@christinemiller7238]

I think they look great! I learned about fixing and not stripping away the patina.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I rarely will strip anything

[@judebrown4103]

Lovely subtle job there Tom, I love the fact that you don't over-restore, you really respect the use the chairs have had. In fact it was edge of the seat stuff watching you get those back together. Thank you, I'll see myself out.😁😂👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I like that "see myself out..."

[@cherylnormandeau2871]

Beautiful, delicate chairs. My favourites of all the chairs you’ve repaired.

[@pyewackett5]

Designed by Phillip Webb in 1860 & manufactured by the brilliant & one of England's finest designers William Morris. Pure Arts & Crafts

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I would love to have one of these!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good info

[@mardiwilcox2922]

You perform miracles with these old pieces. Thanks for another great video with no fluff!!!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@charlenegoddard7390]

I thoroughly enjoy watching you work. I’m a retired Surgical Technologist and even though worlds apart, I appreciate the value of the right instruments and techniques for the job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Charlene! When I had an orthopedic surgery on my broken ankle I could see that they were repairing it exactly the same way you would repair a broken piece of wood!

[@jimwiskus8862]

The maestro has finished these pieces. They look & sound as though they were just built, a 100 years ago. Bravo!!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@jeffreylarson8533]

Your care and patience for these treasures is something I really appreciate. And the camera work continues to improve.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@InkWellideas]

They are stunning - and now I know how to freshen the wood on some rush seated chairs I have without refinishing! But I'll cover the seats with plastic sheeting, lest I spill/smear colored wax on them.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Good idea!

[@QuivaRPG]

As someone who has re-rushed a seat or two, cutting the old one off is one of the most satisfying things ever.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They always fight coming out though!

[@paultanday767]

Brilliant as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@josephkerley363]

Fortuanately the school of glue sculpting in the furniture repair movement was short lived. Occasionally one does run across a few adherents. 😊 Another masterful job Tom. I especially like your approach to repairing where the casters had been used. As usual, you are a master at coloring and hiding in plain sight new wood repairs. Thanks for another wonderful video and more education in the art of repair and restoration.

[@dlevi67]

The problem is the long-term adherents.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that - "glue sculpting"

[@johnsonrestoration]

They're still out there!

[@johanhellings6580]

Beautiful work and well explained again. Those chairs are so beautiful ...top job again!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They are beautiful! Those arms...

[@wendysalter]

Now, I would happily give house room to these smart chairs! Your craftsmen's touch has given them a new lease of life.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@queenbee3647]

Really a great job Thom! Its been a long summer, with something missing....your videos! Welcome back. 👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! But I put out quite a few this summer - maybe you missed them?

[@anthonychavez3742]

Great video Mr. Johnson, I learned something today I love how you worked on the feet of the chairs that is an awesome technique I will keep that thought in a little box in the back of my mind❤

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! We all have stacks of those boxes in our minds - it's getting harder to find the right box these days!

[@horus10]

Beautiful, as always. You are truly a master craftsman. Love your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jeanine6492]

Another one for the save file. Thank you for sharing all your amazing knowledge and skills. Can’t wait for the next video!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@nobuckle40]

Those really are beautiful. One of the things I appreciate your channel is being able to see how furniture was constructed. I learn every time you dissect a piece of furniture. Thank you for the education.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@YouT-DJ]

Interesting chairs. So many parts, seems they were made for the long haul! Thanks Tom.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes they are! Thanks!

[@garyward9180]

Love your work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@eksund1900]

Your videos are among the best! Love them. Inspiring, educational and a joy to watch. Keep it up sir!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I will!

[@manecobeirao]

Se o Mestre Thomas Johnson morasse no Brasil, eu me candidataria a ser seu ajudante. Fico contente em ver que o seu fiel amigo está bem e sempre fazendo companhia. Grande abraço !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Obrigada! (abraço entregue)

[@26beegee]

Watching you work on antique furniture is a enhancement to my History of Furniture class from college. Beautiful results!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I would like to take that course...

[@Dan-jq8se]

As always, a great job. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I learn something new (to me) each time. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I learn something new each time also!

[@karenlawson6344]

Love to watch you work. Your explanations are great!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@nikolone123]

So beautifully done. I always get the impression that the decisions on how to intervene and when not to intervene are straightforward and simple. But then I remember this is only the result of years long, vast experience and skill. Thank you again, for another "lesson" in craftsmanship and taste. I think they look pretty good too!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! My philosophy is to keep everything as original as possible

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another great restoration tutorial Tom. as always. and as always I came away learning something new. My wife does Caning and Rush work also. kudos to your Caning person did a nice job on those chairs. Glad to see your helper is still doing fine. little grey'r in the beard tho! But she's still with us! thanks again. God speed. ECF

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, we're all getting older!

[@rwilli97]

I really enjoy you and the work you do and show to all so many people are reluctant to share their knowledge Thank you

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I've always believed in sharing and it's always resulted in more work coming in

[@Greygon313]

Awesome work as always!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelpage7691]

Watching this magnificent restoration, I thought it would be really interesting for you to do a video on your history. That is starting with what inspired you to start carpentry and restoration of furniture. I know from my point of view, I wish I had done that with my father. I only have very scant information about my father and I wish I’d done something that I and my children and grandchildren could look back on. You have a great show that has inspired others and I think it would be a real privilege to know your history. Maybe that’s too far but I know it would be interesting. About others I don’t know, but I watch it! 🇦🇺👍🏻😁

[@dlevi67]

Second that - and there's quite a bit of material 'already there' in some videos, including the workshop tours.

[@janetdupree6353]

He has shared his history in previous videos. I believe he grew up in Boston. His father either made or repaired furniture (or both). He and his brother worked along with their father. His brother took over their father’s shop, and Tom opened his own shop. I believe Tom’s daughter makes custom furniture somewhere on the west coast. You can go through his videos to verify what I am recalling, and learn more.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Michael! We'll have to work on that. The problem is the "visuals". We'd have to do a lot of digging and pre-production to make a good video. It can't just be me talking...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, we'll have to do that

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Janet! Close - but I grew up in Takoma Park Maryland, and my Dad's shop was in Silver Spring. We were right on the "District Line" in Washington DC

[@monopinion8799]

Young man you amaze me with the outmost amount of meticulous attention, precision and respect you treat each peace of furniture that glides through your shop. All leave your shop with its original glory ready to to be admired and used accordingly. The old is new again. It’s unfortunate there’s no such shop for my old body of mine. No I’ve done my time and enjoy the old craftsmanship unsurpassed by the “tech” way . Thank goodness for your channel showing your finest work.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! Well said! I appreciate it

[@cherylporter1056]

Another fine example of your artistry! I love these chairs.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! me too!

[@HBSuccess]

Hey Tom another great video! One tip I picked up… to determine if someone has buried a nail in a mortise/tenon.. I use a nickel-sized rare earth magnet. It’ll pop onto the joint letting you know there’s steel or iron in there

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll try that! How do you then get it out?

[@furtim1]

@@johnsonrestoration Living on the ocean seems to get rid of all the nails around here. Seriously, though, I would be tempted to drill it out, at least to the point of weakening, with a cobalt bit. Keeping it all steady and not just boring out the wood around the nail would be a challenge. I have had to drill out nails and screws with broken heads before and it has worked well sometimes.

[@pittschapelfarm2844]

Every Sussex chair I've seen always have major problems fairly early in their life. You did a wonderful job with lasting results, but I still think the design is not meant for high use. Oh, and I have NO idea how you managed to get those chair feet to work so beautifully!

[@johnsrabe]

They were designed for elves, who could walk atop snowdrifts, and NEVER leaned back in their chairs.

[@dlevi67]

@@johnsrabe As long as one doesn't toss a dwarf on it, I suppose...

[@johnsrabe]

@@dlevi67 Of all the liberties Peter Jackson took, that one may be the one I liked best. “But don’t tell the elf!”

[@dlevi67]

@@johnsrabe I definitely would not - especially if the chair broke!

[@1kbs11]

Repair of the feet would be a craftsman's candy. Meaning a fun little challenge. Often people judge a problem like the caster damage as the end of the life of the chair, This is the difference between a craftsman and a novice. Think general practitioners versus a specialist when it comes to doctors. I think the original designer was more focused on expressing his skills in an artful way over a durable chair. Many of the most long lasting chairs tend to be hated by users due to their weight and clunky looks. There is a balance between aesthetics and functionality. This design; to me, has a mix of cultural styles. I would guess the chair is a self expression of its designer / builder as its repairer. These are the reasons people love things that other people invest time into versus automatic manufactured stuff. Take wood carving. There are carvings done completely by hand and there are carvings done completely by machines. Which do you prefer? The one with a soul or the one without?

[@clairekurdelak2913]

I’m always amazed by what glue can do. I never would have known that re- gluing chairs is better than putting in nails where joints are loose! As a home manager this has changed how I do things!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, nails can hold a building together but not furniture!

[@TheDivasoprano]

Such an artistic master at work. I love to watch your patient labour.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@jamesgreen9079]

Thanks Thomas, I did antique furniture work for the public many years and find you videos very entertaining. I retired years ago and wish I had them to view before the internet and KZbin. You have amazing family similarities to me which after the shock makes me watch more. I think your veneer work much better than mine was.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like the fact that we shared some of the same techniques. It's amazing how good you can be when you have a high def camera pointing straight at you hands and you know there will be thousands of people critiquing!

[@veramae4098]

My grandfather George Lorenz was a master carpenter, contractors still remember him in this area. I keep thinking he'd love videos like these. Died in 1969.

[@michaelsullivan1141]

Wonderful video Tom. Not sure about other viewers, but I did feel the tension when you applied the reverse clamp - phew!

[@gav2759]

Oh aye. the old "just one more squeeze and I'm there" anxiety.

[@dlevi67]

@@gav2759 Cracks you up. (As long as it doesn't do the same to the wood, we are fine.)

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I know - I was worried!

[@johnsonrestoration]

It is stressful!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Exactly

[@oldtimer4863]

Another easy watching video. I find watching you at work so relaxing. Your skills at what you do is fantastic.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@smin-rg3yj]

Great restoration, and thank you for your table top advice. Cheers SJM

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@davidcurtis5398]

I've still got my Dad's Craftsman drill press. I'm 74 and I have never known not to have this press in his work shop. All cast iron and steel. No plastic at all. Most people have no idea about how much skill and time it takes to do a job like this. That is why Dad always said that most people wouldn't want to pay for his work. They jut try to fix the chair like the last person did and come up with all of the glue just around the outsides of the joints. Fixed for a very short time but ugly as hell... dad taught me that it was good to make wood filler with hide glue and sanding dust. Have been doing that for years. have you used the new Torx head screws?? I really like them now. I wouldn't try to cut 1/8 inch off of the legs as people are taller today than they were when these were made. No one will know.. I see you have smashed a finger and the nail is black. I also love the dog... She is getting older??

[@marylinsmith4290]

Yes, David, the dog is getting older...we all are! ...but she is a sweety isn't she?

[@davidcurtis5398]

@@marylinsmith4290 I have found that most times the older dogs are the best ones. Remember that Dog is God spelled backwards...

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks David! One of the great things about these videos is that people can now see what goes into it. I like the Torx too - I use them for work on the barn etc. Ella's 12 1/2 now!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Yes, we all are, but why do our dogs have to age so fast? She's my girl...

[@johnsonrestoration]

I like that!

[@kevinshort3943]

Never heard of a "Sussex chair", maybe because we just call them chairs, here in Sussex. Sussex Trugs, I've heard of those, and have one.

[@dlevi67]

It was a "brand"/name used by Morris & Co. as the original design idea came from a chair found by George Taylor (the Morris & Co. business manager) in Sussex.

[@kevinshort3943]

@@dlevi67 You are right. It is quite literally Morris & Co "Sussex Chair" . ie: the name of the design, rather than it being a Chair from Sussex. I've seen plenty of chairs with Raffia seats, but none like this one.

[@dlevi67]

@@kevinshort3943 ....aaand I got it wrong. The chair found by Warington Taylor (who is sometimes attributed the name "George", but was actually called Alphonse Warington) is what is now known as the "Morris Chair" - a kind of comfy recliner with a stuffed seat and back. The chair inspiring the 'Sussex' range was allegedly found (still in Sussex!) by Ford Madox-Brown, an early partner of Morris & Co. Sorry!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I didn't know, but I trust dlevi 67's answer

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Interesting - I didn't know that

[@FelixDegenaar]

Stellar work as usual, Mr. Johnson.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@rickyabrahams7100]

Another masterful restoration,thoroughly enjoyed watching it👍👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@lesleydavies3063]

They look fabulous, you are a master xxxx

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@Landrew0]

I love the way you preserved the age of the chairs without sacrificing the integrity.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! That's my goal - not always easy to achieve!

[@geoffreykeane4072]

You are always showing us new techniques Tom, bravo!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@bobhunter7767]

I so enjoy watching and learning from your videos, I try to guess the tools and materials you will use before you tell us, and now I am beginning to get some of my guesses right!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like that!

[@chrisocallaghan7006]

Another great video and beautiful results

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@bbqlips]

Beautiful chairs and work bringing them back!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@cmsheth09]

Such an eye for just what these old chairs needed! Nice work

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@davidsorrell1428]

I love to watch you work. Thank you for posting.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome!

[@RickJones222]

Beautiful and inspiring!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you so much!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Thank you Tom, another great video, glad you mentioned the oak arms and back, thought for a moment there one of us was going bonkers!! Cheers, hope you and yours are all well, keep 'em coming buddy.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I wouldn't assume that we are not going bonkers!

[@nathanchambers1006]

Absolutely LOVE your work Thomas!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@pnadk]

Thanks for translating the units, it is really helpful.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You’re welcome! I’m trying to learn!

[@melodysimonson1510]

Every time I watch you repair and restore a piece of antique furniture, I am amazed! You do such awesome and caring work on them! I swear if I ever need to have a piece restored, I will bring it to you! Beautiful job!!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@Tableaux15]

Very impressed with how you repaired the chair legs. Seems I always learn something with each of your videos.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Me too!

[@graemetimoney7002]

Always good to find one of your videos in my post Tom. You made a wonderful job of those fine chairs which will allow them to last another Century, so preserving the remaining pieces of what was once a full set of diners and carvers. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@agwbcfjc2]

They came out great. Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You are so welcome!

[@rosalindaestrada5314]

They look pretty good, Tom! We love your work. Greetings from Galveston, Texas.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Nicely done! I have become addicted to the use of strong neodymium magnets to find nails where they shouldn't be, but I still get surprised by brass once in a while.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, good point about the brass

[@sammyjo8109]

A beautiful job as always. You brought new life to some weary chairs. Good for another 200 years I suspect. Thanks for taking time to give us another great video and tool for doing our home projects.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@kennethleslie9414]

Another superb job Tom, the chairs are lovely aren’t they

[@johnsonrestoration]

They are! Thanks!

[@georgecunningham9175]

Thank you for another entertaining and informative video. Even more thanks for giving the history and data on these chairs - I have one of these - a single side chair, that I have on occasion considered disposing of. No longer!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I'll take it!

[@MarcvanExel]

Marvelous job!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Marc!

[@maddieadams75]

Beautiful restoration beautiful chairs ♥️

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! They are!

[@GaitaPonto]

Beautiful chairs. Excellent job.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! 😊

[@timmaggard8862]

Great job Tom. Beautiful antiques!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Many thanks!

[@ChipKingsbury]

Another great video, Tom. They are beautiful chairs. Your work is such a joy to watch. Also, always nice to see the rhino mug. I'm going to email you an update on all my broken furniture here in Kenya. Blessings!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks Chip! I'll look forward to it

[@geekbruin]

Oh what a lovely chair! Makes my heart happy to see it refreshed to its former glory.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! I like the word "refreshed"

[@larryk6330]

Your solution for the cup casters was inspired. So simple but so effective.. Great work as usual.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! It seemed to work!

[@olivernash2240]

Once again, persistence and experience tell the tale!👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Another great fix Tom 👏👏👍

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@joseportela205]

I love your work!! It is hypnotic to watch the evolution of the reparation until the end. Thanks

[@joseportela205]

Greetings from Spain

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! And Hello to Spain!

[@michaelfling7786]

Another excellent example of true craftsmanship!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@saggioculo5386]

I love these chairs. Great video. Finished job is better then pretty good.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you! I really like them too!

[@jaybrown3953]

After watching you for a few years now, you still amaze me with your knowledge and craftsmanship... keep it up..

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@megwolff58]

Another fascinating and information packed video, thanks so much Tom! I really appreciated seeing the construction of the sleeves for the chair feet and how to deal with tricky re-assembly issues. The results were beautiful. This would be the first time I have seen you use a screw across a break! It was useful to see just how bad a situation has to be before you use one.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! Yes, I don't do that too often

[@martemacdougall1985]

Beautiful craftsmanship. 😊

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@mikef.1000]

Good, thoughtful work -- a lot to be learned watching you.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kevinzufall]

Great job as usual Tom !

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@wadeparker1452]

Sir, you are an artist indeed. I love the way you have renewed these chairs while preserving the patina and wear. Beautiful work! True conservancy!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@madog32]

Great work Tom, nailed it!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks!

[@wilkodog5252]

Lovely job Thomas👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! 👍

[@troystaten5633]

Nicely done, I am impressed that they sit flat on the floor and don't wobble. Thanks for showing us

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! A rare event indeed!

[@consideredwhisper]

Hi from Sussex, England. Beautiful chairs, I have one myself (that also needs fixing). Thanks Mr J.

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I'm jealous! I want one too...

[@elliepascoe5954]

That was another master class mr Johnson! The repair of the damaged legs was an absolute treat to watch. 😁🇳🇱

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@dharmaofdog7676]

You just made those Chairs SO happy! Thank you for sharing your amazing Skills -

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome!

[@hamish9917]

I learn something new each time you post one of your videos! Thank you very much!

[@johnsonrestoration]

You're welcome! I do too!

[@loisruthstrom8143]

Beautiful job, Tom! Excellent work! 👍😀

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@gianluigimarino8264]

Beautiful chairs!!! Nice restorations!

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thank you!

[@kenc2257]

What a great job on those 2 lovely Sussex chairs! Your clients will be very pleased.

[@johnsonrestoration]

Thanks! They were!