Queen Anne Hall Table
43 1/2" wide - 22 1/4" deep - 31 5/8" tall
This piece was purchased on the East coast and in order to save on shipping the client had the table cut apart, one leg was broken at the dowel and the remaining were cut with a reciprocating power saw. The piece was manufactured in the late nineteenth century and is constructed of cherry (turned parts of the legs), beech (octagonal parts of the legs), poplar (bead details), pine (back & base), chestnut (groundwork), with butt walnut veneer. The apron is built up with small pieces of wood and cross-grained veneered on the surface. A pattern was stenciled on the front of the legs and on the top and highlighted with gilding. The edge of the apron is also gilded. The piece was in rough condition, missing veneer on top, many splits along the apron (wood shrinkage) and most of the gilding had worn away.
The table as it came into the shop, note damage to cross banding veneer.
The first process is to restore the damage done when the piece was cut apart, then repair will be done to the damaged veneer on the top, base and apron. Next the piece will be reassembled after drilling out the tenons in the sockets and replacing the tenons on the ends of the legs. After reassembly the surface will be cleaned with Moses T’s Reviver and the gilding will be restored.
Top showing damage to veneer and on apron.
Damage to top, veneer joint down center with stencil border with gilding.
Base showing damage and veneer repairs in progress.
Base showing veneer repairs of various shapes and stages of restoration.
Liquid hide glue with a drop of glycerin is injected under the veneer and clamped with clear plastic blocks.