Families still come together for dinner, but how many are hosting dinner parties? Many households may have seating for two, four, or maybe 8, but these days not many have seating for 30. For affluent families at the turn of the 20th century, the ability to host large dinner parties was a mark of wealth and social standing - a display of opulence. Tables were deliberately designed wider than we see today, as speaking to guests across the table was considered bad manners. And dining room tables also had many leaves to adjust to the perfect length to accommodate that evening's guests.
Each end of the table before treatment
The two sets pedestal legs before treatment
The two sets of additional legs before treatment
This table, attributed to Matthews Brothers Company, has a staggering 13 leaves. Matthews Brothers Company was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1857 by brothers Alonzo and Eschines. After starting as a furniture producer, they became a leader in manufacturing high-quality interior woodwork. Matthews Brothers Company supplied woodwork for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, the Palmer House and Board of Trade Building in Chicago, and Henry Ford's home in Dearborn, Michigan, before folding in 1936 as a result of the Great Depression.
Before treatment, the leaves in their storage container
Senior Conservators of Furniture Rob Kleeman and Stephen Ryan examined every table component: the pedestal ends, leaves, and legs. The top finish was heavily checked and crazed on all sections, with an irregular reflective surface gloss overall. Checking and crazing appear as erratic crack lines in the coating and usually occur over time due to environmental factors such as humidity. The table exhibited minor scuffs, abrasions, and losses consistent with age and regular use.
Rob and Steve also inspected the construction condition of the table, determining that the structure was sound overall, with some minor insecurities at mechanical attachment points.
Detail image of checked and crazed finish before treatment
The conservators began treatment by cleaning the surface to remove all oils, waxes, and contaminants using conservation methods. The top of the piece was lightly abraded to minimize surface irregularities and even out the gloss. Small areas of loss in the surface finish were infilled with a coating to emulate the surrounding color and patina. Then, a French polish was coated throughout to even out the surface irregularities to the best possible appearance without completely removing the existing coating. The extension slides were also waxed and adjusted for proper fit and function, and then a paste wax was applied overall. Finally, all the hardware was tightened and secured to ensure the table's stability.
Detail image of checked and crazed finish before treatment
Detail image of French polish finish after treatment
There is something special about antique furniture still in use in the home, but antiques come with their own particular needs. Post-treatment, the table's surface is revived and presents as a well-cared-for antique, retaining its character while making the repairs as indiscernible as possible. Rob and Steve share their advice to all those who use antique furniture in their home, "Don't try to repair or restore your antique furniture yourself. Our work is more effective when addressing the condition issue without also treating an incorrect do-it-yourself repair." This Matthews Brothers Company is a stunning example that if you ensure your antiques are appropriately cared for by professionals, they can continue to live their purpose for decades more to come.
After treatment, the table is shown fully extended
Detail of table after treatment showcasing the French polish finish
Detail of table legs after treatment
Detail of table legs after treatment
Detail of table after treatment showcasing the French polish finish
