Background

The Linen Press was built in the 1780's and remained in an estate home in Yorkshire, England until the early 1990's; when it was finally brought to Canada as part of an inheritance.  However, it was shipped in the winter and remained on the Montreal docks for several weeks.  The linen press was brought straight into the clients home - straight from the damp cold to dry heat.  All the panels on the doors began to dramatically warp, shrink then split leaving 1/4" gaps in the middle.  The warping was so great that it stressed and eventually broke down the joints.  Carvings  from the crown molding and the carcass were also missing, as well there were broken frets in the crown. 

The Process

All broken joints were rebuilt while all the warps and splits on the doors were repaired.  We  reproduced all the missing carvings, moldings and fret work.  We also relayed all lifted veneers.  All the while we had to make sure that we in no way damaged the old original oil and wax finish.

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Detail of reproduced carving