Tag Archives: 1950’s

1950’s Vynex Sample Book

March 8, 2017General1950's, Australian, Mid Century, Upholstery, Vinyl, VynexJohnny

Super lucky to of found this amazing sample book of vinyl upholstery for transport and upholstery trades just last week.

Dating from the 1950’s the book contains 60+ samples of vinyl showcasing different textures, patterns, colours and finishes.

See just a small selection below.

It’s amazing to recognise so many of the patterns and colours from the book on different pieces of furniture I’ve dealt with over the last 10+ years. However I must say my favourite was towards the rear of the book, and appears to of been a late inclusion as it is fixed differently to the other samples.

1950's Vynex Sample Book — Mid Century Madness!

As you can see, this finish is called ‘Satellite’ and definitely has a strong atomic influence. Reminds me very much of those 1950’s French coat/cloth/hat racks by Roger Feraud.

Deer Me

November 23, 2016General1950's, 1960's, Building Materials, Deer, Doors, Etched Glass, Mid CenturyJohnny

1950's Australian Building Materials — What yo looking at?

Yes, what indeed are we looking at……………………? Well if we pan back a little, you’ll see that we are feasting our eyes on some amazing etched glass doors that depicts a lovely forest scene with everyone’s favourite mid century animal – deer! And not just one, but 3! Buckincluded!

I’d dare to have a guess and say that they didn’t quite match the new style that the renovators in question had in mind for their 1950/60’s home so out they came, and luckily for some, straight into my arms!

Home renovations 1960's Australia

Doors and shower screens seem to be the most common areas to find these etched glass images, ranging from mermaids to bushmen, under water fish to ships however I’ve rarely seen such a large scene stretched across 2 doors and its 2 sidelights.

Mid Century door - glass etched

With no active plans for them at this stage, I think I’ll just store them until I find a use, or alternatively, until someone comes across this post, falls in love and wants them for their own home restoration! If thats you, contact me here.

Summertone Bedside – Part 2

October 25, 2016Restoration Projects1950's, Australian, Bedside, Mid Century, QLD maple, Restoration, Summertone, SydneyJohnny

At the end of my last update I had removed the base/legs and was continuing to prepare the bedside for it’s new finish.

1950's bedside restoration — Sorry about the shadows!

With the bedside now in pieces I could get stuck into some fine veneer repairs along with the final preparation of the timber surfaces before reassembly. As mentioned previously due to the thin nature of the veneer, patience is a must when sanding, 240 grit to start, 320 grit to finish.

Reassembly was pretty straight forward, fresh wood glue, and with the existing screws and holes all lining up it went back together like a jigsaw puzzle, just lucky I numbered each piece!

Mid Century Bedside — Sanded, assembled and ready for a new finish

Once the glue had dried, a very light final sand with some 400 grit wet and dry was carried out in preparation for the Danish Oil to be applied.

Next up – the finished product!

Summertone Bedside

October 11, 2016Restoration Projects1950's, Atomic, Bedside, Mid Century, QLD maple, SummertoneJohnny

I’ve been sitting on this Summertone bedside for a little while in the hope of finding its matching partner. Unfortunately I haven’t been so lucky as of yet, however in preparation for a larger restoration job I’ve decided to trial a few different techniques and finishes on it.

1950's Australian Bedside — Excuse the grass!

Wanting to get away from that orange tinge I’ll be removing the original shellac finish and tint and going with a neutral finish to show off that wonderful golden QLD maple veneer. Seeing as though I’ve only got 1mm or less in thickness to work with I’ll be using a cabinet scraper and metho/steel wool to keep the sanding to a minimum.

Already you can see the huge difference between the natural colour of the stripped back drawer front and the original finish to the body of the bedside. To make things easier, I’ve removed the legs and base supports and as these are solid timber the electric sander should make light work of them.

Hoping to get through the restoration within a week or two so be sure to check back and see how things progress!

Mid Century Church – St Catherines – Hallett S.A

September 18, 2016General1950's, Architecture, Church, Hallett, Mid Century, S.AJohnny

A few weeks ago I was in S.A for work, and whilst travelling to my destination I passed an absolutely amazing piece of Mid Century architecture in possibly the most uncommon place.

St Catherines of Sienna - Hallett S.A

Now I’m no expert by any stretch of the imagination when it comes to mid century architecture, and I know that you know my core business is mid century furniture and home decor, however I had to share, especially after a reasonable search online brought up practically no information or images.

St Catherines of Sienna - Hallett S.A

Surrounded by vast grazing/cropping pastures and century + old stone buildings Hallett was the last place I’d ever expect to see such a building.

St Catherines of Sienna - Hallett S.A

After rubbernecking like I never have before, a swift U’bolt was undertaken to have a closer look. The foundation stone provides an exact date – 1957. And the little information I found online describes the Church of England consecrating St Catherines of Sienna on the 15th September 1957. It was officially closed in 2003 when it was sold and is now a private residence.

St Catherines of Sienna - Hallett S.A

Unfortunately it needs some serious attention, and currently appears to be only used as storage.

I can only imagine how magnificent the inside space would of been in it’s day with all that natural light flooding in. A heavenly experience in a far out building I’m sure.

If you’re ever in the region, you can find it yourself just before/past the Toolangi road turnoff on the Barrier Highway.

Hope you enjoyed!

Killer Kitchen Chairs!

August 22, 2016Restoration Projects1950's, Atomic, Australian, Chairs, Dining, KitchenJohnny

After a little too long between posts, I’ve returned to share a nice little save from a local recycle centre over the weekend. The acute angled legs instantly caught my attention, and after a brief inspection (more so to see if their missing pal # 4 was floating about somewhere else – but to no avail!) I loaded them up and away I went.

1950's Australian Dining Chairs — 0, 45, 90.

They definitely look familiar, and I’m sure I’ve spotted them somewhere online (either for sale or in an old furniture catalogue) however at this moment they remain unidentified.

Mid Century Modern Chair — Strengthening brace – weakening style…..

From the images you can probably see that added support from the front to back legs on either side that looks out of place. It’s definitely a later addition, and after a quick hit with the heat gun to remove those multiple layers of paint you can see the difference in timbers used. The angled leg (and rest of the chair) is a beautiful Queensland maple, whilst the support appears to be a pine, possibly Kauri looking at the grain. It’ll be removed in due time when tackling a full blown restoration on all 3. Not for the faint hearted, and definitely lots of work, but the finished product will be worth it.

1950's kitchen chair — Ones original, ones not!

Rising Sun Gate

July 10, 2016General1950's, Art Deco, GateJohnny

How do you like my gate? I like it. I like gates in general. But they have to show some element of design.

It’s always funny how once you see something, it cannot be unseen, and this rule definitely applies for gates and fences. That’s how I first noticed this design/type of gate on a local house in town, and how it shares a great resemblance (when turned on it’s side/upside down) to our logo. So naturally when I come across this one at a scrap steel merchant I had to have it.

I’m not overly sure what I’ll do with it just yet. Ideally I’d love to find another single and hang both side by side on a wall in a possible/future bricks and mortar store. Guess time will tell!

If you’re interested, on your next trip to work, or walk around the block with the dog take a little time and check out some design features of the gates and fences on the older homes (1940’s – 1960’s) in your area. I’m sure you’ll be surprised at what you see!

Holiday TV Lamp!

May 26, 2016General1950's, Atomic, Australian, Lamp, TVJohnny

I recently picked up this beautiful little TV lamp whilst on holidays. After spotting it in a local retro/vintage shop I knew it had to be mine, so after exchanging some currency it was packed away in my suitcase and safely made the 2500km trip home with me.

I definitely didn’t appreciate just how amazing the projection of light is from this little lamp. It shoots a really crisp line of light illuminating everything below the shade, whilst casting a shadow above.

Australian TV lamp 1950's — Tripod Legs! Always a favourite.

Along with it’s crisp line lighting ability, we have the simple yet always amazing ‘tripod’ base which is just so cool.

1950's TV Lamp Australian — Unmasked from the darkness!

The top hat (shade) is another impressive piece of design, which looks to be floating above the lamp itself when illuminated, almost like a UFO! Combined with the tripod base the proportions of this TV lamp for mine makes it one of the best I’ve seen.

This one’s a keeper for sure.

1950’s Bedside Repairs – Take 3

May 16, 2016Restoration Projects1950's, Australia, Bedsides, Mid CenturyJohnny

With the repairs done, and the finish applied, it was time to fit the new (old) period handles.

1950's Bedside Repairs — Matches very well!

As you can see the handles worked out very well. The repairs also quite good! A little hard to match perfectly in some areas however overall I’m very happy, a huge improve on the original handles.

So how do they look…………..? See below.

Repaired, cleaned, and ready to go! — Nice stance.

Soon to be available to purchase @ 20thcenturysalvation.com.au

1950’s Bedside Repairs – Take 2

May 2, 2016Restoration Projects1950's, Australia, Bedsides, Mid CenturyJohnny

Continuing on from my last post, the repairs to the 1950’s bedsides have been completed.

1950's Australian Bedsides — Almost done!

I was reasonably happy with how the veneer patching turned out. Once the glue dried, I dotted the fresh veneer with a dark stain (walnut) to help give it a little colour, and after a light sand, I again spotted the repairs with a varnish/thinner mixture to build it up a little. It was after this I then realised I wasn’t happy with the overall finish on the door and drawer fronts. Cue some 240 grit wet and dry. This smoothed out the original finish, and gave a good base to then apply 2 final coats of the varnish/thinner mixture.

Mid Century Drawer Pulls — Polished and ready to fit.

With the repairs done, it was time to polish the new (old) door and drawer handles in preparation for fitting!