History Lost

[Mike K.]

I was perusing Facebook earlier today, when a friend's photos caught my attention. There before me was a beautiful set of "Waterfall" bedroom furniture, a classic design of the Golden Era. Just last year, I acquired my own Waterfall bedroom suite (in near perfect condition) after a very lengthy search. I was thrilled that my friend found such a nice set, even though there was a little restoration needing to be done on a few pieces. Then came the other photos....

Rather than invest the time or money in a quality restoration of the damaged veneers, the owner decided instead to sand and paint the entire set (plus add a few other embellishments). My heart sank as I progressed through a series of "before & after" photos, witnessing the glory of the Golden Era become buried beneath the whims of modernity. I wonder how many other pieces of history are out there, hidden beneath a coat of new paint.

 

[DamianM]

I hate it when they do this.

Once I saw a vanity painted white. just plain all white. people and there re-purposing something that already has purpose

 

[dhermann1]

This shabby chic thing is a disgusting, trashy, vulgar, fad. Dreadful. I saw on FB just yesterday a GORGEOUS late Victorian dresser with mirror. The poster was asking whether they should paint it white or leave it alone. The overwhelming reaction, happily, was to leave it. But the owner said they expected to be able to get $75 at most for it as it was, but could get $300 by slapping a coat of white paint on it. What's wring with people!!!???

 

[Mike K.]

As it turns out, my friend tried selling the bed at a neighborhood flea market. End of the day and nobody bought the bed. She could've sold the entire bedroom suite had she left it in original condition. shakeshead

 

[DamianM]

As it turns out, my friend tried selling the bed at a neighborhood flea market. End of the day and nobody bought the bed. She could've sold the entire bedroom suite had she left it in original condition. shakeshead

Original is always better. Because it becomes timeless. If you do the shabby whatever. it will be dated in 5 years.

They didn't have any appreciation to what the bed set was.

 

[Wally in Cincy]

, the owner decided instead to sand and paint the entire set ]

I am not particularly knowledgable about older furniture but my wife and I do have many pieces handed down from our grandparents which we treasure, including a set very similar to that one. I personally would never even have the thought cross my mind to paint that set. It's not even an option even for a fleeting moment. The mind reels.

 

[DamianM]

They clearly had not appreciation for the furniture. Seems to me that they could be the kind of people that will tear down a beautifull Deco building in favor for mini mall with a readioshack