Blog Navigation Improvement

I just added a feature that should hopefully help navigate the blog and find available items more quickly.  On the right side there is a new menu labeled "Modwerks Items".  You can now click on the "for sale" label and go directly to all the items that are currently for sale.  The items under the "sold" label have been sold (hopefully that is obvious).  This will eliminate having to scroll through each item to see if it has been sold or not.  Sorry it took a while to add this!

Milo Baughman for Lane Burl Front Dresser and Mirrors

I don't like making major design changes to pieces that have some design significance.  However, this piece had some issues that forced my hand.  The original pedestal base had damage that was beyond reasonable repair.  The top also had damage and also had previously refinished, which left it slightly different from the rest of the case.  I tried a number of brown stains but did not find one that I thought complimented the burl instead of competing with it.   Black seemed to do the most to compliment the burled olive ash drawers.

Baughman's designs excelled because he took classic, simple geometric modern lines and added beautiful, luxurious materials such as velvet, rich leather, chrome and in this case exotic burl wood.
The addition of the chrome legs and glossy black finish follow his design methodology.

High gloss black finish is probably the most difficult wood finish to perfect.  There are few craftsmen that can achieve the finish quality you see on Steinway pianos and the like.  A neighbor of mine restores vintage Steinways and his restorations go for about $30k.  He has traveled to Europe and Japan to learn the techniques and has been doing it for 30 years.  I don't have the skills or equipment to do that level of finish.  However this finish is very complimentary to the piece and is more than a simple paint job.  The process involved dying, then staining, then using black tinted clear coat followed by numerous clear coat applications.

This is a large dresser and the 9 drawers offer great storage capacity.  The matching mirrors attach to the rear of the dresser and are rare and beautiful pieces on their own.  Together they will make a great statement to the room they are in.

Here are some similar ones currently available on the web.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/192815511/milo-baughman-for-lane-dresser-credenza
http://www.metroretrofurniture.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?item=8849&cameFrom=505

Dimensions:  78"W x 32"H x 18"D
      mirror:     47"H x 21"W

sold

Broyhill "Forward 70" Triple Dresser and Mirror

Many of the pieces I acquire are in pretty good condition.  Most vintage furniture galleries or resellers would simply polish them up and put a "for sale" sign on them.  I like to refinish them because I like them to really shine and be a focal point in a room.  I refinish them to look how I'd like them if they were to stay in my home.

This piece is not one of those.  When I pulled it into my work shop to start working on it I questioned if I should have even bought it.  The original finish was in very rough shape.  There were burn marks, water rings, missing lacquer, yellowed and dingy finish, etc.  Most resellers would have run.  The good news was that structurally it was in good shape.  Most of the veneer damage was superficial.  In the end it cleaned up nicely.

The "Forward 70" line was the Broyhill designers' 1960 vision of what 1970's design would be.  The pecan trim around the edge of the case and the 3 center raised decorative panels echo similar designs from Lane with their Acclaim and Perception lines.  These lines were very popular well into the 60's and had similar looking oak trim matched with walnut veneers, so in some ways the Broyhill people had it right.  This triple dresser has 9 drawers, 3 of which are behind the center mounted doors.  Simple brass pulls are used on the 6 exposed drawers.  The case is hardwood pecan wood with walnut veneers.  The pecan is exposed and milled on the front edges to echo the 2-tone look of the decorative door panels.  It is a nice, integrated design and one of the lesser known from Broyhill.

The weather has been good for photos and I had some time to take advantage.  The mirror is a day or two behind on the finish schedule.  I've included a pic from the web that shows the same mirror that is included in the set.  I'll post a pic of the mirror when I get a chance.

Dimensions:  66"W x 31"H x 18"D
         mirror:  42" x 22"

Sold

Kent Coffey "Tableau" Dresser and Mirror

I always enjoy restoring the Kent Coffey piece because they all have had very pretty and well figured walnut veneers.  The Tableau line is one of my favorites because it leans more towards modernist design than some of their others which tend to be more retro.  The Tableau uses sleek inset light brass colored pulls that look like they could have been designed today.  The tapered rounded-off square legs also have a more modern look than simple dowel legs.  This piece also has the matching mirror which can be attached to the back of the dresser or hung on the wall.  It is a great set that is nearly flawless and could be used in a bedroom or a living room as a credenza.

Dimensions: 56"W x 19"D x 31"H
       mirror:   27" x 45"

Sold

The chair problem persists.....

I explained in an earlier post my affection for chairs, particularly lounge chairs.  As I have been selling off chairs in my collection, I've also continued to find new "loves".  Please see today's posts for more pieces that I need to clear out.

I have been doing some work on case pieces, although its tough to tell by my output.  I've got a few pieces in the works but been hampered by weather, baby, other projects, etc.  If all goes well I should have 2 or 3 pieces ready later this week.  Stay tuned.....

Pair of Luna Chairs by Odd Knutsen

These fun chairs were designed in 1970 by Odd Knutsen and scream funky '70s design.  This is another Scandinavian sling design chair.  The canvas (back) and leather (front) "bucket" is suspended by its 4 corners on a laminated wood frame.  This design has been utilized by a number of Scandinavian designers for good reason, it is supremely comfortable.  The chair conforms to the user well without needing any hard seating surfaces.  These chairs are also great because they are very compact.  They work well in smaller living rooms or bedrooms.  Kids love them because they can crawl in and nestle into them.  At 6' 2" they fit my frame well and although this low back version does not offer head support, they are very comfortable for watching tv or reading.

This pair of chairs have the "teak" colored frame, which is very similar to a contemporary cherry finish.  The leather is "latte" which is a cream-to-light beige color.  Both chairs are in excellent condition with no mars, tears or ever wear showing on the leather.  A couple small nicks on the frames are the only things that distinguish these from brand new.

Dimensions: 29"W x 29"D x 29"H

Sold

Westnofa Leather Lounge Chair

Although at first glance this chair appears similar to an office chair, this low, comfortable Westnofa lounge chair has a similar feel to the Eames Aluminum Group chairs of a previous post.  Like the Eames chairs, this one swivels but does not recline.  The dark chocolate brown leather seats are nicely cushioned and supportive.  The rosewood colored bent wood frame and faux rosewood metal legs are rich looking and in good shape.  It is a great vintage Scandinavian piece.

Dimensions: 30"W x  34"D x  36"H at back 15" seat height

Sold

Harald Relling "Wing" Chair and Ottoman for Westnofa

I've owned a number of the classic mid century lounge chairs and this one is one of my favorites.  The "wing" chair by Harald Relling, like a number of the other Scandinavian lounges, incorporates a canvas sling that is suspended at four corners.  This one uses a chromed tubular steel frame.  The canvas sling supports the soft cushions for the back and seat.  The cushions are made with a glove soft brown leather.  The brilliance of the design is that the canvas sling conforms to the user with the steel allowing some flex.  The seated occupant rests in what is really a self supporting, leather lined hammock.  I've had (or have) a Womb chair, Eames lounge, Siesta chair, Safari chair, Z-chair, amongst others and this Wing chair was the most comfortable for me.

This chair also has great looks to go with comfort.  It sits low and compact.  The tubular frame gives it a lightweight look.  The leather is nicely patinated and inviting.  It may not have the iconic status of the Eames lounger but it is every bit as comfortable and would make a great addition to a modern setting.

This chair was made in October 1973 and still has the matching tags intact.

Dimensions: 31" W x 31" D x 34" H at back, 13" seat height
       ottoman: 25"W x 22" D x 14" H

sold