The revival of an Antique heirloom wardrobe
The Revival of an Antique Heirloom Wardrobe
A Family Heirloom
This 19th-century hall robe was brought in by our client, who wanted to preserve its charm and return it to its former grandeur. Historically, standing wardrobes are part of the evolution from trunks to modern-day closets for the essential household function of holding linens. Ranging from simplistic to opulently adorned, wardrobes can be full of craftsmanship and character. Handed down over the years through three generations, this piece served as fine clothing and coat storage indoors and then, as the years passed and home décor changed, as storage in a garage. Having admired the antique cabinet in the garage since her childhood, our client was thrilled to receive the wardrobe from her grandparents for her new home.
Determination of Style
The piece piqued our interest with its attractive construction and design elements. The cabinet is nicely finished and adorned on all four sides, allowing it to be viewed in its entirety, rather than simply against a wall. The carved, scalloped cornice adds an interesting decorative element, yet its open grain and rustic carving are less refined than the ogee profile millwork present throughout the rest of the exterior and interior. The inset birds-eye maple cathedral-shaped panels on the exterior add further elegance and complexity to the design. While we cannot attribute a particular style to this piece, we must wonder if it was constructed through a marriage of found panels and different architectural components long ago.
Condition – Good Bones with Fragile Finish
The wardrobe arrived at our studio with extensive damage to the finish. The lower edge was severely blanched from exposure to moisture and the top had heavy water stains. Sections of the crown molding, escutcheon, and doorknob were broken off and missing.
The door was misaligned in the frame and was difficult to open and close. The exterior sustained the brunt of the exposure, fortunately leaving the interior finish in much better condition. When reviewing the interior, there were sections of varied finishes, illustrating multiple previous campaigns of repair and modification. The cast iron coat hooks appear to be original to the piece, with related historic wear to the wood surrounding each hook.
It was time for us to do our part to extend the life of this wonderful wardrobe. Despite the condition issues, the wardrobe was in good shape structurally, allowing us to focus on refinishing the exterior. The degraded external finish was removed, exposing the raw wood underneath. Sections of wood were shaped, planed, and hand-carved then seamed into the loss sections in the crown molding and escutcheon. The raw wood surface was refinished with a comparable walnut tone to emulate the original and then varnished with shellac. The good condition of the interior allowed for the display of the original character of the wardrobe creation, and other than a light cleaning and application of wax was left untouched. The hinges on the door were realigned and adjusted so the door could properly open and close. Finally, a protective coat of wax was applied and hand buffed to unify the overall sheen.
Successful Restoration
The restored hall robe has been moved into our client’s new home to resume its role and provide years of service as it did over a century ago. With its unique and functional design, family history, and good structural condition, this piece was a great candidate for restoration. Our treatment now adds further to the life and story of this piece.
People often find it surprising to learn that antique furniture can withstand damage and heavy use better than contemporary furniture. Antique furniture that is functional can not only be decorative but can always find relevance in the future.
If you have a piece of furniture in need of potential restoration, contact us today. We can treat items in our studio and when appropriate, can make house calls to treat furniture onsite.
312-344-0331
info@artifactservices.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Wardrobe Restoration
Can an antique wardrobe or armoire with water damage be restored?
Yes. Many antique wardrobes with water stains, a cloudy or blanched finish, discoloration, or localized wood damage can be restored. Treatment may include removing or reducing the damaged finish, repairing losses, matching the original wood tone, and applying a protective coating. The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the wood, joinery, and existing finish.
What is involved in restoring a 19th-century wooden wardrobe?
Antique wardrobe restoration begins with an examination of the structure, finish, hardware, and evidence of earlier repairs. Treatment may include stabilizing the cabinet, repairing or recreating missing wood components, correcting misaligned doors, cleaning or refinishing damaged surfaces, and applying protective wax. Whenever practical, sound original materials and historically significant signs of age are retained.
Can missing molding, knobs, and decorative woodwork on an antique armoire be recreated?
Yes. Missing crown molding, escutcheons, knobs, and carved ornamentation can often be reproduced by hand. New wood is selected, shaped, planed, or carved to match the surviving elements, then carefully fitted into the area of loss. The repair is toned and finished to integrate with the surrounding wood while respecting the armoire’s historic character.
Should an antique wardrobe be completely refinished?
Not always. Complete refinishing is generally considered only when the existing finish is severely deteriorated and cannot be preserved through more limited treatment. If portions remain stable, such as the interior of this wardrobe, they may require only gentle cleaning and waxing. A selective approach helps preserve original finishes, historic wear, and evidence of the piece’s construction and use.
Where can I find professional antique furniture restoration in Chicago?
Artifact Services provides professional antique furniture restoration in Chicago for wardrobes, armoires, cabinets, and other family heirlooms. Treatment is tailored to each object and may be completed at our studio or, when appropriate, onsite. To request an evaluation, contact Artifact Services at 312-344-0331 or info@artifactservices.com.
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