WRENTHAM ANTIQUES FURNITURE

French, Renaissance Revival is Elegant & Timeless

Although the early 1900's was no different than the prior 30+ years, when observing one revival after another, it was a time when the American middle class was beginning to make its claim as a consumer.  Furniture along with the rest of one's home decor could truly make a statement while remaining within arm's length of a budget.

The revival of the French Renaissance was as popular to the dicerning eye as a trip to Paris and displayed a time when delicate and detailed merged with ease. The genteel case with its continuous curves hand-carved out of solid woods and accented with even more elaborate appliqués draws in the most casual observer.  Intricate veneering using the natural grain patterns patched together with carefully chosen and placed pieces offers the illusion of symmetry.

However, it is the glass that always inspires the greatest sense of awe with its serpentine lines that creates the illusion of being suspended by the magic of a lost art, diffusing the image of coveted possessions as evidence of success and standing.  What better way for one to have enjoyed the dual purpose of satisfying both the statement to a visitor and the satisfaction of bringing grace and beauty into one's own home?

Our Farm Table...the center of our home

Our reclaimed, barn board, farm table is truly the center of our family's life.  It is a true friend of today's lifestyle as it morphs perfectly as a durable, low maintenance and yet decorative work horse.  We find ourselves there at least once a day and more often many times throughout the day.  The simple fact that our farm table holds a prominent location right, smack in the middle of our home and is at the crossroads to the rest of the house, lends itself well as more than just a place to eat and converse.

The occasional ding and dibble seems to blend in as the years of character from weather and wear act as a natural camouflage.  The sponge-wipe-for-life, smooth surface offers a sort of refuge and peace of mind as though to reminded us that the table is here to work and with a sense of "grace under fire."

The busy schedule that we all keep has a way of forcing us to be somewhat centralized as we traverse from room to room searching for the "this that and the other," temporarily misplaced necessity as we prepare for our next trip to and from schools, classes, appointments, work, family functions and social commitments...not to mention the occasional respite from perpetual motion when we actually get a moment to sit!

So, aside from the ever-changing decorative centerpiece, we often have a collection of mail, catalogs, electronic devices, the ever-elusive set of keys, a tea or coffee mug...or two...or three, or so, a few books, newspaper, school projects, coupons and quite often a laptop or two.  All serving an important role in our very current, up to date, can't seem to catch up lives!

We do have the almost daily, traditional meals or holiday feast where we clear the decks and adorn the old wood surface with a full complement of vintage, table appointments suitable for a much needed moment of grace and interpersonal connectivity.  Ah, the slow motion of those moments and the daily updates from whomever about who knows what.  Then, the tranquility is set on pause while one or two unfortunate "volunteers" clatter their way through the clean, rinse and stack ritual that inevitably must follow what was a sacred, healing experience.  Such is the cadence of life.

Replica vs. Reproduction?

Which would you rather have, a replica or a reproduction? In fact, what is the difference and why would one prefer one over the other? Well, in my usual, pliable and oft safe, answer…it depends…I am, in this case, being advisedly cautious. When referring to furniture, especially the broadly and overused classification of reproduction furniture, there exists those who choose one, yet receive another.

To reproduce a piece of Early American Furniture serves the majority as a far more functional option. To narrowly adhere to the needed confines of a replica may well overlook a more, modern functionality. The deeper drawer, a wider table or pine verses chestnut just to mention a few. Then there is the constraint of acceptable cost associated with the careful attention to detail. The chamfered drawer, the hand cut dovetail and the hardwood peg. The thought of a replica is enough for most and hardly achievable for the lofty standards of a few. But, they both play an important role in the preservation of an historic trend here in America.

Many simply prefer what appears to be as well as what is accessible and affordable. Well, that is: Especially when they are on sale!!! The upward leap from reproduction to replica can be a mighty one especially for a frugal Yankee like me. Likewise, the step down can be just as unacceptable and unthinkable. However, for the upper 2%, anything less than authentic could cause a permanent case of disorientation and render them a recluse. Well, “to each his own I say!” Just be sure to call us when you decide to join the ranks of the happy, reproduction owning cast of millions. Because that’s what we do and we’re darn good at it!

What exactly is an antique, anyway?

So, you look at it and it seems old. Then you have a closer look. You open the drawer, you see the “dovetail” joints, the solid wood box…and wow, they even dovetailed the back of the drawer frame! Next thing you know, you have the drawer out and flipping it around to scan the bottom. Then, you’re straining your neck to see the shadowy interior while looking for some sure sign that this is as old as you think…or hope.

How and who defines what an antiques is, anyway? How do we know what the standard is and who it is that holds sway on this standard by which we all anticipate our next glorious find? The best answer I have ever heard is…”well, it depends!” It depends on who you ask? To waltz through most shops, you’d think your old sneakers were a candidate and the gum stuck to the underside of that brass ‘n glass coffee table was a sure sign of patina.

According to the politically correct, US Customs, antiques are defined as “something older than any living person.” I’ll bet a few of you just settled with a slightly longer than normal exhale? I heard the Keno Brothers won’t call anything younger than 1803 an antique. Many a weary wanderer on their way to this May's Brimfield Show has suggested 1830 was the absolute cut off. Yet, mass production didn’t get fully under way until the very late 1800’s.

Irrespective of all of those capable purists, I find the 1940’s a far more convenient, profitable and therefore acceptable date range. In fact, were it not for all of that wonderfully constructed early 1900’s mahogany, we would, for most of our past 18 years been forced to sell only small pieces of encrusted wood. We may well have been inclined to call ourselves something like Wrentham Vintage Marketplace or Wrentham “sure we have a few “ Antiques Marketplace or better yet, Wrentham “Just buy it because it’s made well and you like it” Marketplace!

Furniture's black hole in our heritage

At least three times a day, as I meander through our store, I marvel at the inherent beauty of those pieces of furniture designed and made so long ago. Now, keep in mind, I’m not talking about 200 years ago. Things changed big time in the late 1950’s. That’s when the post war machine began to gear up to meet the insatiable demand of a rapidly growing and prosperous nation. Ultimately, from that point, there was no turning back!

Joinery techniques had to be reduced to the lowest common denominator. Simplicity for speed’s sake and streamlining costs began to rule the day and inevitably, by the mid 60's, caused the beginning of the end for craftsmanship. What once took two guys a weeks to create, eventually, could be made, shipped and returned for defects in just two to three days. The new "slap and ship" furniture is sure to leave a gapping hole in a long stretch of world history. How many cultures' heritage will be without a link to the past…that is, without having to climb one of those mounds at the landfill?

Perhaps we will learn to compensate with stories? Stories that will leapfrog over an historic black hole and recall the craftsman of old? Or perhaps, we’ll have to craft new stories as time passes and the memory grows dim as we leave another two year old piece out on the lawn for the local frat house member's next great find?