Australian Wash Stand
A Rare Survivor
Australian colonial pieces in original condition are rare. Unfortunately, Frank has seen many such pieces damaged by enthusiastic home restorers using paint strippers and orbital sanders without the proper skills and knowledge. This piece, however, was in its original, untouched condition.
Background
Frank was asked to restore this piece after it was inherited by his client following his mother’s passing. He immediately noticed that the piece had never been touched by restorers and was in its original condition. Frank promptly advised his client that a conservation approach was necessary. There was a thick coating of black crud over the entire piece, which he suspected had gradually built up from the use of wax and linseed oil-based revivers.
Under the decades of built up grime was the original shellac finish. Hydrocarbons and an aqueous cleaning solution were used to slowly remove the black grime but leave the old polish in place.
Structurally the cabinet was in good condition. Although stylistically it is a very plain piece, it is well made and nicely proportioned. There is an integrity to this type of utilitarian furniture.
Process
Sometimes, less is more. Restoration work on antique furniture is often overdone. For an old piece in its original condition, treatments, cleaning options, solvents, structural consolidation, and repairs need to be carefully considered. The risks of any intervention must be balanced against the benefits.
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Structural consolidation of splits and cracks. Dovetailed blocks are inset from the underside across the grain to prevent further cracking.
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The cleaning process; a combination of hydrocarbons followed by aqueous cleaning agents were used to gradually remove the thick build up of old wax and oil.
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Structurally this piece was in good condition. It is a solid Cedar frame and panel construction. Simple, but well made.
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The door required some minor repairs. There was damage around the escutcheon and the lock need to be repaired and re-fitted.
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Once all the black grime was removed, the old original finish could be properly assessed. Although the black grime was unsightly it did protect the underlying polish.
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The old original shellac finish was in good condition with just a few areas of wear through. A French polishing rubber was used to repair the finish and a sacrificial coating of hard wax applied.
Cracks in the top. Old cracks and splits do not always glue up well. They are often full of wax and dirt. The dovetailed blocks consolidate the cracks and prevent further splitting.
Timber, being a natural material, will move and twist over time. With old cracks, the timber often changes shape. Forcing these cracks back together puts excessive tension on the material.
At some stage a handle was fitted, probably when the lock stopped working. It was decided to repair the lock instead of replacing it.
The damage around the lock housing was filled with old cedar. The housing was re-cut, the lock was repaired, and then reinstalled. A simple flush brass escutcheon was fitted.
The conservation approach Frank has used on this piece has retained its patina of age. A beautiful old surface develops very slowly over a century of use, imbuing it with a sense of history and time. This important aspect of antique furniture must be expertly handled to maintain its aesthetic integrity and commercial value.
Outcome
“This piece of furniture now sits proudly on display in its home and will hopefully continue its journey through the generations, providing a tangible link to the past while travelling with them into the future.”
We engaged Frank's workshop to restore for us an early Australian washstand. His sympathetic, conservation-based approach was exactly what it needed. We would be very happy to recommend his services.
John & Sandy
Brisbane Queensland