Douglas LaMont Fine Furniture

01/29/2021

Here we are at last: the shelves are in place and the bookcase is complete. The finish will transform it from raw wood to a warm, deep honey-color matching the original staircase. Though this handsome bookcase is not particularly large, it has a stately presence. Thanks for following along on this project.

01/27/2021

The bookcase is well into the home stretch; the frame-and-panel back has been assembled and fitted to the case. The shelves are in the clamps and will soon be hand planed, cut to fit the case and sanded, ready for finishing. With that, my part in taking this handsome piece from concept to inclusion in its historic home will be complete. Next it will be given over to the skilled magic of Ted Kellison who will transform it into a hundred-year-old bookcase matching the original staircase. Oh, yes, if you're wondering about the holes (in the left cheek and the lower right back panel), there is an electrical outlet where the bookcase will be installed; these allow access to the outlet when needed. I will post a final photo when the shelves are in place.

01/18/2021

The dentil moulding is now complete; this expressive style, borrowed from Greek and Roman architecture; is bold and uniquely gratifying. There is one other characteristic of this bookcase that is rather unique: whereas the top normally overhangs the crown moulding in most examples, note that the moulding extends beyond the top itself in this piece. The effect is quite satisfying.
Next, the frame and panel back and the shelves....

01/16/2021

The elements that will define the character of this delightful bookcase are being added and the transformation from plain box to expressive furniture is nearing completion. Note the before and after photos of the cheek panels, for example. The addition of the bolection moulding gives new definition to the previously spartan appearance. The more substantial crown moulding is built up of separate elements and awaits only the addition of the "teeth" which form the dentil detail. The plinth (base) has also been added, and the only remaining work involves making the shelves and the back, which will be frame and panel - the entire bookcase is solid oak; there is no plywood or manufactured panel stock in the piece. Stay tuned......

01/04/2021

The carcase is now assembled and begins to look more like a bookcase and less like an assortment of parts. The "floor" and the top have been added and the piece now awaits the addition of the various details that define its character, taking it from plain box to fine bookcase. Most of the mouldings have been produced - a mock-up of the crown moulding with the dentil detail is shown - and the careful process of adding these details has begun.

12/30/2020

The new bookcase is moving along; the cheeks have been assembled and the shelf adjust system added. The shelf supports offer height adjustment in increments of 1-1/2" or, when inverted, half that amount (3/4"). This system is modified from a traditional method which uses a more angular, stepped support in order to echo the dentil molding which will grace the crown molding on the finished bookcase. Next, the cheeks will be joined and the carcase complete and ready for dressing up with the addition of the plinth, crown molding, bolection moldings, back, shelves, top etc.....lots of detail work!

12/16/2020

The new bookcase is well underway. As I mentioned earlier, the inspiration for this piece derives from the lovely original work in this fine home, work that has stood the test of time because the craftsmen adhered to the established traditions - they did it right and they did it well. Nothing equals the integrity and strength of traditional joinery, and the bones of this bookcase are coming together with traditional mortice and tenon joints and carcase dovetails. None of this will show after assembly, but because of this the bookcase, like the house, will continue to serve and delight for a very long time to come.

12/13/2020

Billings, like many communities, has a number of beautiful historic homes. I have begun a commission to build a bookcase to be installed in one such home. The goal is to create a piece that looks to have been installed at the time the home was built. This bookcase will sit next to the fine original white oak staircase and takes its design cues from the details of the newel posts and the architectural woodwork. This bookcase will therefore be very traditional in both design and construction......right up my alley! I have the added pleasure of working with Jeremiah Young at Kibler & Kirch, a man of boundless creativity and good taste, and Ted Kellison, whose wizardry with finishing will give this piece the appearance of having been built at the same time as the staircase itself. I will be posting progress photos as the work proceeds.

04/23/2018

The bow-front cabinet in English brown oak posed for formal photos yesterday. I am adding these shots to the Intimate Spaces folder. At last, with these photos, the true colors of this beautiful wood can be appreciated.

Bow-front cabinet in English brown oak. $6925

04/23/2018

04/09/2018

The bow-front cabinet will soon pose for formal photos by a professional photographer, but I couldn't wait to give a preview, even though the cell phone pictures aren't quite accurate. This is such a lovable little piece and I'm so pleased with the way it has turned out.......so here's a sneak peak......

04/05/2018

This will likely be the final progress report on the bow-front cabinet in English brown oak. The top has been fitted, sanded and oiled (first coat); the drawer now runs sweetly on its hard maple slides; the doors trimmed to a fine fit, and the pulls turned from the same piece that supplied the door frames. The fragrance of the Port Orford cedar, which forms the solid wood drawer bottom, will put a smile on your face every time the drawer is opened.
It is quite moving to reflect on the long journey this expressive wood has made in arriving at this place. From acorn to mature oak tree covers several centuries, for starters (the end cut from one of the boards shows growth rings covering 138 years alone). From tree to lumber mill to drying shed, shipment from England to the States, from lumber dealer to me and another (mere) 40 years in my care. Taking great care in crafting the piece seems fitting, even called-for.
The next photos you see will do it more justice than those taken with my cell phone.