Sometimes it feels like the universe is sending me a message: no sooner had Mike and I digested the fabulous Modern Americana than suddenly on Craigslist this morning come these crazy great pieces on offer from a seller in Oakville, Ontario. The biomorphic shapes and drawer pulls summon the work of a somewhat obscure group of revered 1960s designers like Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Sam Maloof and Jack Rogers Hopkins. A week ago, I’d never heard of these fellows and this morning I’m trying to figure out how to carve three hours out of my day so I can beat you all to Oakville to score these treasures.
The seller notes that the cabinet ($100) has some “serious scratches” on the top but it looks like the sort of damage a little fine steel wool and some Howard’s Restore-A-Finish could whip into shape. The square glass tops don’t suit the amazing three-legged tables ($200) but that’s another easy fix.
The seller has several other cool items, as well . . .
There’s a groovy mid-century coffee table ($150), an awesome MCM dining table ($150, an easy refinishing exercise) and a cool kitchen or sunroom table and chairs with a 1960s Tiki vibe ($220). The seller’s location on 9th Line is surrounded by pretty hills under the Niagara Escarpment so it would be a pleasant fall drive and you could drop in on the H&H showhome while you’re out there.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I’ve been eyeing up those 3 legged tables on CL all week. :) It’s worth the drive to Oakville!
November 1st, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi Chris. Though not my taste, I can appreciate the shape & style of these pieces and welcome the knowledge and insight you provide to broaden my sense of style.
Howard’s Restore-A-Finish…sounds interesting. Have you talked about this previously? If not, love to hear what you’ve used it for and how it worked!
November 1st, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Deb, Chris emailed me as he remembered that I’ve used Howard’s Restore-a-Finish in the past. (Hi Chris, thanks for the well wishes on the move, it’s chaos here, we can’t find our ass with both hands!)
I have a probably 60’s side table, mahogany frame with one glass and two rattan shelves. It wasn’t in bad shape, but dirty, with some very light scratches.
I followed the directions on the bottle, and after masking the rattan off with tape applied the Howard’s with a cloth. I didn’t have any scratches that I thought warrented steel wool, but I did rub fairly firmly in an effort kind of even out the surface.
After letting it sit as directed I then rubbed it down with a clean cloth. A day later I followed it with Howard’s Feed-n-Seal wax applied with a cloth, let that sit a bit, and polished with a clean cloth.
I was very happy with the result and thought that it revived the table well overall. I just ran and took a look at it. It’s been months and while still in good shape I notice that the finish does look a bit dull. I think that probably has to do with our cleaning lady who seemed to use some pretty strong cleansers. At some point I’ll probably give it a once over with Briwax (untinted), a product that always seems to work well for me.
I hope that’s some help. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at buzzcut67@aol.com.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I will have two of each PLease!!
January 8th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Man, I wished I would have seen this before. I’m near Oakville, and I’ve got a thing for using outdoorsy patio tables and chairs indoors here in my condo. Ah well. Gotta start keeping up with this blog more.