Steven-Thomas Services

Antiques Modified into New Creations

Oh, how the definition of antique has changed over the past 50 years!  Webster’s dictionary now includes an updated definition of antique: “Imitating or suggesting the craft of style of an earlier period.”    Purists might cringe at such liberty, but Webster’s is faithful in defining “antique” according to its current use of the word.

We add the following to Webster’s definition:  “The craftsmanship, integrity and hand-detailed work in cabinetry and in finish must have stood the test of time and have significant parts which are old.”

While the public perception of what makes an antique has changed, the practice of imitating, reworking or redesigning antiques from pieces of a previous period has gone on for centuries.  With our current European buying, it is not unusual for us to come across a buffet made in the 19th century, embellished with carvings from a 16th century cassone or cassapanca.  In the 19th century, the bottega workshops of Italy often incorporated 16th, 17th and 18th century panels, embellishments and parts from older cabinets into more practical and marketable uses for that time. 

Please understand that we are not claiming that a George I long case clock will be just as valuable or desirable with Victorian works in place of its original!  The best is a piece in original condition, in your price range, that meets your specific needs.  Certain pieces have become so scarce that you’ll search the rest of your days to find it and if you do, it will be at a price you can’t afford!  So while original and unique pieces will always be the heart of Steven-Thomas, our staff now frequently redesigns pieces using the centuries old traditions of the Italian bottega workshops.

Italian old-timers who have visited our store have told us our workshop is the closest they know to the Italian bottega workshops of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  In the true sense of old-world crafting, each redesigned piece follows the creative process more than any mechanized one, assuring the melding of esthetics and classic design with modern use and efficiency.

Some of the many recrafted antique pieces you can expect to find on our showroom floor include:

• King-size size beds converted from smaller beds
• China cabinets converted from armoires
• Bookcases transformed from architectural pieces
• Bar fronts and backs redesigned from massive ornate buffets
• Tables with thick glass tops supported on magnificently hand carved antique bases