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Eric Clingen, fine woodworker

Title: The Timeless Value of Restoring Fine Furniture – A Sustainable and Artisanal Choice

In a world driven by rapid consumption, Tarrytown Woodworks in Westchester County stands as a beacon of sustainability and craftsmanship. Our studio, led by expert craftsman Eric Clingen, specializes in repairing and revitalizing cherished furniture, offering a sustainable alternative to buying new. If you need furniture repair in Westchester County, read on. We’ll explore the many reasons to choose restoration.

The Environmental Impact of Mass-Produced Furniture

The mass production of furniture has far-reaching environmental consequences. It’s not just about the deforestation required to source cheap timber; it’s also about the greenhouse gases emitted during manufacturing and transportation.

The carbon footprint of creating a single piece of mass-produced furniture is staggering, equivalent to gallons of fuel burned. This process contributes significantly to climate change and deforestation, adversely affecting biodiversity and indigenous communities.

In contrast, furniture restoration & refinishing in the Hudson Valley offers a more sustainable option.

The Art of Sustainability and Emotional Value

Restoring antique & fine furniture with Tarrytown Woodworks is not merely an environmentally conscious decision; it’s a tribute to history and craftsmanship.

Using traditional techniques, Eric Clingen restores pieces to their original splendor, preserving both the physical item and its emotional significance. This approach contrasts sharply with the disposable nature of mass-produced furniture, which lacks durability and character.

Eric Clingen’s Expert Restoration Techniques

At our antique repair studio in Tarrytown, Eric Clingen employs time-honored techniques used by the original craftsmen.

Whether it’s a Shaker chair or a mid-century modern table, each restoration project is approached with respect for its historical and stylistic integrity. This dedication ensures that each piece not only retains its aesthetic value but also its historical narrative.

Showcasing Antique & Furniture Restoration Services

We offer a wide array of restoration services, ranging from structural repairs to delicate refinishing. Each service is tailored to the piece’s specific needs, ensuring that your cherished furniture is not just repaired but revived with new life and beauty.

Over the years, we’ve provided antique furniture restoration and refinishing for institutions like museums and historical buildings. But we also work with the owners of pieces that need a little TLC. When you bring your furniture in for repairs, you know you’re getting the highest quality restoration services in the greater NYC area.

Local Restoration Craftsmanship in Westchester County

Supporting local businesses like Tarrytown Woodworks is crucial for sustainable community development. By choosing local furniture repair in Westchester County, clients support eco-friendly practices and the local economy, fostering a culture of sustainability and artisanal excellence.

Each restored antique and piece of furniture tells its own unique story. From reviving a family heirloom to repairing a damaged antique, our restorations bring new life to old treasures, demonstrating the endless possibilities of skilled craftsmanship.

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Sustainability and Emotional Connection to Fine Antiques

The sustainability of furniture restoration is two-fold: it’s environmentally responsible and emotionally resonant. By choosing to restore, clients preserve not only a piece of furniture but also a piece of history, an artifact of personal or family significance.

Client Education and Engagement

At Tarrytown Antique Restoration, we believe in educating our clients about the value of restoration. We share knowledge about sustainable practices, the importance of preserving craftsmanship, and the environmental impact of mass furniture production, fostering a community of informed consumers.

Conclusion

Restoring furniture is an act of environmental responsibility and a celebration of history and artisanship. Tarrytown Antique Restoration, a proud advocate for furniture restoration in the Hudson Valley,  invites you to join us in this sustainable practice. Together, we can make a choice that benefits both our heritage and our planet.

Contact the studio for more information or for a quote.

mid century chair repair

The Restoration Craftsmanship of Tarrytown Woodworks

Introduction: A Legacy of Craftsmanship in Westchester County

Tarrytown Woodworks, a mainstay in the heart of downtown Tarrytown, New York, has been synonymous with exceptional antique restoration and furniture repair for over three decades.

Under the guidance of Eric Clingen, this studio has skillfully restored thousands of pieces, from medieval to mid-century modern, preserving the rich heritage of antique furniture.

 

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The Shakers: Minimalism Meets Functionality

The Shakers are celebrated for their minimalist yet practical furniture designs. Tarrytown Woodworks maintains this tradition of simplicity and utility, ensuring that each Shaker piece restored is a reflection of original serene elegance.

 

Gustav Stickley and the American Arts and Crafts Movement

Gustav Stickley, a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, championed sturdy construction and natural materials. Stickley’s philosophy of “honest” furniture-making is mirrored in Tarrytown Woodworks’ commitment to authentic restoration.

 

Tiffany Studios: A Legacy of Intricate Craftsmanship

Tiffany Studios, renowned for their detailed glasswork and lamps, also produced remarkable furniture pieces. Tarrytown Woodworks’ restorations pay homage to Tiffany’s intricate craftsmanship and innovative design.

 

danish mid-century modern chair repair

 

Mid-Century Modern Designers: A Blend of Aesthetics and Function

  • Eames: The restoration of Eames designs at Tarrytown Woodworks focuses on preserving their modernist ethos and innovative material use.
  • George Nakashima: Reflecting a deep respect for natural materials, Nakashima’s work aligns with Tarrytown Woodworks’ ethos, ensuring each piece maintains its connection to nature.
  • Hans Wegner: Known for his sculptural chairs, Wegner’s designs are restored to blend beauty and functionality, reflecting his design philosophy.

 

Client Testimonials: Stories of Revived Heritage

Richard Kraemer’s testimonial highlights the studio’s skill: “We have a beautiful old mahogany bureau… In a move, all four legs were broken off… It took a little over a week to repair. One would never know that anything had happened… it is as beautiful as ever!”

 

Restoration Techniques: Honoring Original Craftsmanship

Eric Clingen’s approach to antique restoration is deeply rooted in a philosophy of honoring the original craftsmanship. His process involves a meticulous analysis of the original maker’s techniques, materials, and design intentions.

This is crucial, as each period and designer had distinctive methods and styles. For instance, the precise joinery in Shaker furniture or the unique veneer patterns in a Stickley piece require specific knowledge and a tailored approach.

By using traditional tools and methods, Eric ensures that each restoration not only maintains the piece’s historical authenticity but also reinforces its structural integrity. This careful preservation of original craftsmanship extends the life of each piece, allowing it to be cherished for generations to come.

 

Best Antique Repair Tarrytown NY

 

Community Involvement: Educating and Preserving

Tarrytown Woodworks’ commitment to the community extends beyond the workshop. A notable example of this is their involvement in restoring pieces for the historic Lyndhurst mansion, a site of significant cultural and historical importance in Westchester County. This collaboration highlights the studio’s dedication to preserving local heritage.

Additionally, Tarrytown Woodworks has shown a commitment to education and skill development by offering internships. These internships provide hands-on experience in woodworking and antique restoration, fostering a new generation of artisans who value traditional craftsmanship and the preservation of historical artifacts.

Such initiatives not only contribute to the community but also help keep the age-old art of woodworking alive and relevant.

Sustainability: Combating Throwaway Culture

In an era dominated by disposable products, Tarrytown Woodworks stands as a champion of sustainability. By restoring and rejuvenating antique furniture, the studio promotes a lifestyle that respects and values the longevity and story of each piece.

This approach is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a future where quality and sustainability are prioritized over disposability. Every restored piece is a statement against the throwaway culture, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to buying new furniture.

This sustainable practice contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, as it minimizes the demand for new resources and energy required to produce new furniture, thereby fostering a more sustainable and conscious approach to consumption.

 

antique restoration ossining

 

Conclusion: A Hub of Artistry and Sustainability

Tarrytown Woodworks is not just a restoration studio; it’s a hub where artistry, history, and sustainability converge. For those seeking to restore their antique furniture, the studio offers more than just repair services; it offers a partnership in preserving the narratives embedded in each piece.

With a commitment to craftsmanship, community, and sustainability, Tarrytown Woodworks stands as a testament to the enduring value of preserving our past, not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its contribution to a more sustainable and thoughtful way of living.


If you have a piece of furniture that holds sentimental value or are simply passionate about sustainable living, consider Tarrytown Woodworks for your restoration needs. Be a part of this journey of preservation and craftsmanship.

Visit Tarrytown Woodworks for more information or call (914) 332-4189  to discuss your restoration project.


Restoring an 18th Century Ornate Frame in Westchester County

This beautiful European 18th c. Frame suffered a fall and an attack from the owner’s puppy.  Amazingly the original glass survived…


The missing areas were reconstructed and finished to match the original surrounds.

Always wise to replace the old hanging wire with  new 100 lb rated wire.

Magnifique!

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Tarrytown Woodworks: Restoring a Fine Antique Empire Period Desk

Empire Period Desk, Pre-Restoration

This circa 1840 mahogany “plantation desk”  was beautifully constructed but had suffered the ravages of time. 

Eric Clingen, The Restoration Craftsman, at his craft.

The  carefully selected flame grained veneer had cracked, chipped, and bubbled. The top had lost an portion of one corner long ago, and was begging for restoration….

After replacing all the missing material, resetting the veneer with traditional hide glue, and recreating the 140 year old finish to match, the desk was given a final wax polish and sent on its way.

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