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An Empire Dresser Named Alastair (Before & After)

When I shared highlights from my open studio, you got a little glimpse of Alastair.  He is regal, he is classy, he has a past…

alastair_dresserSo I thought Alastair really needed a post of his own.

This is my first empire piece and I was so excited to find one in our area.  I don’t see them often here in Massachusetts.

When I found him, he was in a bit of a sorry state.  Years, and I mean years, of enjoyment had caused missing veneer, drink rings and a broken leg.

This is how he looked when we brought him home:

empire_dresser_before

The most amazing thing about this piece, is the inscription in the drawer.  It reads:

“Bought by C.W.R or P.H. Robinson about 1879 at auction of house and some furniture belonging to Henry Wing (who died in 1878).  Bought by E.S. Paine from ext. of P.H.R’s estate about 1907.

Bought by Rita Richardson Scitaute, Mass from estate of Mrs. Paine Braintree, Mass. February 1963.

Bought from estate of Ernest and Rita Richardson by Stephen Gammon 1985.”

How amazing is that?!?  I knew we had to work on this piece.

Here’s another “before” photo.

empire_dresser_before

The top was well loved and in need of some TLC.

top_empire_dresser_beforeBUT there was a lot of work to do.

First my wonderful husband had to take the broken leg off and replace them with new back legs.

furniture_repairs

The new legs going on:

repairing_legs

I think he did a great job!  Then he made sure all the drawers were sliding properly, some were off being such an old piece and I’m sure the broken leg didn’t help things.

Then it was time to paint!  Hooray!  I went over the whole piece with a sanding block and scuff sanded. I really wanted the chippy look on this one.  I painted two coats of Miss Mustard Seed’s French Enamel.  I’ve used this color before and loved it for the Grantham Dresser.

It is a beautiful blue.

The paint chipped and flaked just as I’d hoped.  Here’s what it did after the second coat dried:

chipping_milk_paint

I scraped away all the raised paint with a paint scraper. Then I vaccuumed and then I sanded the entire piece down.  Then I vaccuumed again.

chippy_milk_paintI usually use Miss Mustard Seeds Clear Wax to seal her paint by since this was soooooo chippy I decided to use a polyurethane.  For this piece I used AquaZar in Flat.  My local hardware store carries this brand and thought I’d try it.  I applied three coats and sanded in between.

I absolutely love the gold key holes and the knobs!  I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos but the knobs are gorgeous and I love how they bring a bit of the history and aged patina of the piece.  The edges are very thin and I simply love them.

side_view_alastair_chest

I love the empire shape.  Don’t you?

The horse is from Gentleman & Daughter.  I was very sad to give it back.

antique_horse_ chippy_milk_paint

I’m not sure if you can tell by these photos I had to crop them so you don’t see the playroom and all the kids toys, but he’s quite a substanial piece in size, measureing 45″H x 44″W x 21″D.

He didn’t sell at the open studio, so if you love him as much as I do, let me know!

empire_dresser_milk_paint

If you take him home, you can add your name to the list inside the drawer.

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Thoughts from Alice

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24 Comments
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Rebecca
Rebecca
9 years ago

Perfect chip! I just love it!

Thistle
9 years ago

Danielle,

I love the history of this piece! What a beautiful finish! Thanks for the inspiration!

Happy day to you friend!
karianne

Nancy
9 years ago

Great color! Love how you kept the original knobs. The wood contrasts nicely with the paint color. I don’t come across empire much either. Great makeover!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
9 years ago

What a beautiful and unique piece! And how cool to know it’s history. And with it’s fresh new look, the story can continue!

Darrielle Tennenbaum
9 years ago

Beautiful and chippy and gorgeous! Love it!

Marti
9 years ago

I love painted furniture, and while normally, I would not paint a piece this old, I think this is the perfect way to rescue a piece with this much damage!

JaneEllen
JaneEllen
9 years ago

Don’t know if you’ve noticed but Miss Mustard Seed has this style of dresser often. They must be prevalent to PA. She’d had several she’s redone in couple years or so I’ve been reading blogs. Lucky her huh? I absolutely love the Empire style, such sophistication and yours has the jewelry box on top. Oh how I’d love to have the one you loved back to shape. Great save and thanks to your hubs he can stand on his own. His name is quite regal with his style, tickles me how you name your pieces and so appropriate to their… Read more »

Robin
9 years ago

I think the Empire style is so gorgeous and your transformation is no different! It’s beautiful. Please tell your hubby he did a stellar job on those legs! 🙂 I’m sure some lovely family will soon add their names to the long line of history of this piece.

Terry
9 years ago

Wow, great save. Love it so much!

Victoria
9 years ago

Love it so much, Danielle! The color. The shape. The story. I have seen a few of theses at my local flea markets. I never thought about picking them up because I have no more room in my house. Next time I see one, I will email you.

Marian@Gathering Branches

Empire anything makes me weak. It is hands down my favorite historic style. The huge knobs, the curved feet. Sigh. I find it fairly often, but my house is full and I’ve never seen the right piece to upgrade to. Your sweet dresser came out so nicely. I just never get over how fun milk paint peeling is.
All the best,
The Other Marian

Heather @ New House New Home

Can’t believe he didn’t sell! It’s gorgeous. and I love the choppiness of the paint. Great tip on sealing it with polyurethane.

Susan
9 years ago

That is a beautiful piece and I love the empire shape… I have to try the MMS paint!

Beth
9 years ago

Empire style furniture is my absolute favorite! You did a beautiful job on this. LURVE your color choice!

Karen
9 years ago

Danielle, what a gorgeous makeover. I love when something is really damaged and restored to a entirely new beauty. Great work!

Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Oh, how cool is the writing (and the history it tells)! You did a fabulous job…love the color! 🙂

Nancy

Susan@ Rustic ReDiscovered

Love all the chippy results, Happy color for it’s new life .Great job!

Jenise @ diyfunideas.com

Gorgeous! You did an amazing job!!! Total love!

~Jenise

DeDe@DesignedDecor
9 years ago

Such a pretty piece! I love the history on this piece! Someone was smart and thinking to date everything, how cool!

Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces

Love the story behind the piece and you did a fabulous job!!

Miriam@Hometalk
9 years ago

Love the color and the knobs! I’m looking at your furniture before and after gallery and I have two questions: 1. when do you sleep?! And 2: how do you come up with such unique ideas for every single piece?! 🙂

Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story

This is so so pretty. Need to try Milk paint. Love that horse figurine too. pinning.

Nancy @ A Joyful Cottage

Aww, such a great piece. I love how your transformed it.

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