J. R .'s love for woodworking started when he was a small boy. His father, who made all of the furniture in their home, including the kitchen cabinets, first introduced him to the field. J.R.'s brother was also interested in woodworking, and learned in depth, intricate wood turning on a lathe. When J.R. was 15, he took a job cleaning and maintaining machines in a large cabinet making shop where he could be around his passion a little more. By speaking with the cabinetmakers and finishers, his understanding of beginning construction to final completion became even clearer.
The next step now was to put that knowledge to use. After work and on Sundays his boss agreed to open the shop for him and one craftsman. He made small jewelry boxes, wood lamps, cabinets, bookcases, learned first-hand how to cut dovetail joints and more. Now he was hooked. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, and dreamed of having his own shop someday. At age 18 he was hired on full-time to work at the cabinet shop. He was given his own bench and bought his own tools. His title was Cabinetmaker's Apprentice, which was a two-year program. He was in Heaven! He worked 5 days and requested to work Saturdays. He attended a four year schooling program after work specifically for cabinetmakers. He was on his way to becoming a Journeyman, which is the title given to one after completion of the apprentice program.
Four years later the company fell into financial trouble. Most cabinetmakers stayed, but some left. At this point he could see the writing on the wall, and looked into other places for employment. Well, he didn't have to look too far because right down the street his brother worked in a small furniture restoration shop. Needless to say after meeting with the owner whom he knew through his brother, he was now employed in a field that would change his life. He now had the best of both worlds - knowledge of cabinetmaking and the chance to learn fine antique restoration.
During this time he worked along side of two others - his brother Jim and the owner. Together they constructed Single, Double, & Triple Pedestal Georgian - Regency tables, restored pieces from the 16th century right on through modern contemporary pieces, made new legs and spindles on a wood lathe for chairs in need of repair, worked in homes and offices on items that didn’t need to be taken back to the shop, and learned how to inlay various delicate wood veneers, mother of pearl, and much more.
After spending many years at the restoration shop, J.R. now has his own business doing what he loves in the great state of Connecticut. So if you're in the market for something custom made to your needs or if you need restoration and repair work done, don't hesitate to call the one who cares for your furniture as if it were his own.
