12/28/2022
Hello Good People! Hope you all had fantastic holidays and Happy New Year.
It was an exceptional privilege to be asked to conserve and restore this Rose Valley library table. Wish i could share more photos…but here she is. To say rare, is an understatement…there is only one. This table was built by John Maene, circa 1906. Whether it was built at Shoppes of Rose Valley or not is unclear. It is unmistakable re. his hand work. What was unusual, in ref. to RV and Price furniture is that it was finished in shellac, originally. I did repair work. Then was able to conserve 90% of original color and finish to bases, stretcher and shelf. The top finish was rebuilt in shellac and wax. An honor to work on such a piece of art and history with such deep provenance. The table was built for Nathan and Anna Price Kite. Will Price’s sister. It was their library table at “Good Intent” their home in RV, where Anna also conducted a community school. Hence the book in the base. Awesome! Three big shout outs! First to my client who had the trust and faith to share this project with me. Ryan Berly, curator of Thunderbird Lodge, the museum of Rose Valley. And Tim Coldren for the skill and knowledge to replicate the missing hardware. Team work from ALL involved.