Antique Wooden Box Restoration
Starting the renovation process
When we find the boxes they are often in a very poor state of repair. Many are C19th and show the signs of their age, whilst retaining traces of the skill and labour of the original makers. Some of the boxes have lost elements of their original use, such as the tea caddies which would have been lined with zinc, the sewing boxes which would have held threads and needles, or the writing slopes which would have contained ink bottles and pens or quills.
Our process of refurbishment will take on average 3-4 days for each box. The process will take the form of an initial assessment of the physical and structural integrity related to potential future use – its functional integrity. This process will include an examination of any joints, veneers, inlays, hinges, locks and other fittings along with any necessary renovation or replacement.
Adaptations for new uses
One of our major decisions is to consider the implications of new use along with any necessary adaptations. Hence all of our boxes which were once used as writing slopes have been adapted.
Writing slopes were used in past centuries to write handwritten correspondence on. The boxes open up with the one slope across the inside of the lid and another across the top of the base of the box.
The slopes together form a surface which rests at an angle for ease of writing, to make them easier to write on. Hence the name "writing slope". The slopes were often covered in leather, and the boxes had compartments for keeping inks, nibs, paper and past correspondence in. Some boxes have secret drawers, hidden by a strip of wood, or drawers that are locked by a brass pin.
Owners during the Victorian period often owned writing slopes as accessories to announce to visitors that they had climbed the social ladder, but many were never used, as the owners could not read or write. For this reason many writing slopes have survived in relatively good condition.
Not many people to-day are going to carry a box around with the intention of writing. The laptop and other forms of mobile communication have made this use redundant.
Invariably the material used for connecting the slopes on writing boxes has perished a long time ago. What we do in such situations is to introduce small brass hinges to the lower slope so that it can actually be used frequently. The second slope merely sits in place and can be removed with a leather tab. We feel that this slight alteration helps to make the whole box more functional and durable.
You will be buying an antique for use.
With regard to the final appearance of each box we have to make a value judgement relating to existing patina and the need for possible resurfacing. Invariably the box will tell us itself. If the box has required resurfacing, we consider that as a necessary part of the preparation for its new life. It will begin to be handled and polished by its next owner who will impart anew what might have been lost.
Once the box has gone through the process of structural and functional renovation, the inside is then lined with papers. For writing slopes the leather is chosen, measured, cut and fitted at this stage. We live in a traditional leather-working area, and new "skins" are sourced locally. We select a leather that brings out the colour of the wood or veneer and blends with the hand-made paper. Sometimes we like to add an element of surprise when a lid, door or drawer is opened.
The final stage is to polish the box with several layers of wax polish to protect and feed the wood.
The hand-made papers
We line the boxes with hand-made papers which are sourced from Thailand, India, Nepal, Africa, Bangladesh and Egypt. They are made by families and this trade supports rural communities in these countries. The papers, like the boxes, thus have unique qualities. Most of the papers have been made using natural dyes, so variations in colour and texture occur within the batches – we think this adds to their charm. The Lokta papers, which include the check, jewel eyes, star and plaid patterns, are acid free and made from the Daphne bush which regenerates after stripping. This sustainable source thus does not contribute to deforestation in areas of production which are becoming more and more vulnerable. The papers are vibrant and textured, and we select papers that complement the different veneers and woods of the boxes. Each box is therefore special and unique.
