Thread: A George II Irish Elm Dressing Table

Originally Posted by springwater

This could be dangerous...but I was thinking...do you ever get an urge to impart, with all your skill, some custom WW into your work instead of strictly following 18th century conventions?

I went through a period of producing twisted antiques where I would make exact copies of period furniture, but in wholly inappropriate timbers or veneers. I soon realised the folly of my efforts – they're of no interest to anyone and therefore virtually un-sellable.

Originally Posted by tea lady

Maybe its to keep they cleaner in her place. Clock her every time she cleaned under it!

(Why is the page suddenly so wide? Means scrolling sideways to press the quote button! On my normal width monitor at least! Wasn't like that last night. Maybe those pics added later go too wide? )

I think it was the central pendulous motif

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I went through a period of producing twisted antiques where I would make exact copies of period furniture, but in wholly inappropriate timbers or veneers. I soon realised the folly of my efforts – they're of no interest to anyone and therefore virtually un-sellable.

I was thinking more of changing the things that give certain furniture it's style like in the flourishes on the legs of fig.3., or the unknown relevance of the pendulous shell.

Originally Posted by springwater

I was thinking more of changing the things that give certain furniture it's style like in the flourishes on the legs of fig.3., or the unknown relevance of the pendulous shell.

Ah, I see. I've been down most 'I-did-it-my-way' paths of period furniture interpretation and again, the results are usually too personal to be of interest to anyone else. They're not accurate enough for fastidious/educated tastes and are too expensive and 'old fashioned' for the masses.

I now prefer to stick with making faithful copies of antiques. If I can't match the original, then I've failed. Copying is far more challenging than adapting original designs[i] or making furniture to new designs. I also view faithful copying as paying homage to the original creator's genius. Adapting another's design is merely combining theft with – in most cases – poor taste and often, lack of talent.


[i] The exception might be when I use an alternative timber – as I did with my recent elm corner cupboard – or alter minor details such as swapping cockbeading for lipped drawer edges. I will only do this if I have seen enough examples of the alternatives and I am therefore comfortable with any educated scrutiny the piece might be subjected to.

If your happy doing what you want to do all well and good, I see why. Just that I see the potential within your know how for making something that may reflect a more contemporary view, for the sake of that.

I am late looks like i will have to stand in the back row

Nice WW wish the short people would stop sitting on others shoulders.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I did indeed! This is the first lot I was sold...





... and this is the stuff I bought recently...

Only good for pyre-lighting (or pens) by the look of it

Originally Posted by tea lady

Maybe its to keep they cleaner in her place. Clock her every time she cleaned under it!

(Why is the page suddenly so wide? Means scrolling sideways to press the quote button! On my normal width monitor at least! Wasn't like that last night. Maybe those pics added later go too wide? )

Have you reported it? It's the same on at least two computers!

Originally Posted by Blue-deviled

Only good for pyre-lighting (or pens) by the look of it

I doubt if it would incinerate a body, but it's too good for pen turning.

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I doubt if it would incinerate a body, but it's too good for pen turning.

Pyre-lighting. One could move onto bagpipes and banjo for the real conflag

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I went through a period of producing twisted antiques where I would make exact copies of period furniture, but in wholly inappropriate timbers or veneers. I soon realised the folly of my efforts – they're of no interest to anyone and therefore virtually un-sellable.

I need a :chagrin: smiley

Originally Posted by mic-d

I need a :chagrin: smiley

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Nice WW wish the short people would stop sitting on others shoulders.

Why not think of it as being sat on a giant's shoulders?
Cheers,
Jim

Originally Posted by Woodwould

I doubt if it would incinerate a body, but it's too good for pen turning.

I don't know, I might be able to get one out of it.