Huge, antique butcher block

 We have had an antique butcher block sitting in our shop for quite a while.   We finally had some time to remove some old whitewash paint on the edges, clean it and apply an oil finish to it.  The age of this piece is unknown and  I have never seen one like this before.

I would imagine that the story of its origin would go something like this...
In 1893, a farmer in a rural community of Pennsylvania needed a chopping block for butchering time.  He asked the local sawyer if he could cut him a piece of maple to be used as a work surface.   The sawyer didn't have any maple but he offered the farmer a large section of a butternut tree.  When the farmer got the block to his farm, he and his sons fashioned 4 oak legs.  They drilled 3" holes into the bottom of the block and turned the end of the legs down to 3".  The legs are removable so that the block could be stored when not in use.  For decades the block was used on the farm as it aged to perfection.

The piece is for sale and will be shown at the Historic Home Show of Greater Philadelphia in Oaks, PA on March 9 - 11.  Click here for show details.

If you are interested in further information about the piece, please click here and contact us through our website.

44" diameter

 10" thick

Butternut top with four oak post legs

Color Palette

We are finally developing a standard color palette from which our clients may choose their kitchen cabinet finish colors.  Up until now, all of our colors have been custom mixed shades of milk paint.  We will offer the standard colors offered by The Real Milk Paint Company as well as a few new standards that we have developed based on their colors.

Over the years, we spent many hours of time and used many gallons of milk paint to develop the perfect colors for client's homes.  We will continue to do that but hopefully this will simplify the process.

Custom colors will still be offered...but at an additional charge. 

Storming the Bastille...with slip-cast metal

Our friends at Bastille Metal Works have perfected a unique countertop fabrication technique - slip-casting.  They are creating countertops (and other products) in zinc, pewter, bronze and copper.  

The slip-cast surfaces have the patina and texture for which so many of our clients are searching.  The metal is actually cast onto a substrate surface and worked by hand to achieve the desired level of finish sheen and texture. 

Bastille also offers countertops made with sheets of metal.  The surfaces are finished with a patina that works well with our distressed paint finishes. 

Slip-cast zinc

Slip-cast zinc

zinc sheet countertop

zinc sheet countertop

Talent lost

Rest in peace, Fred Peltier.  

 

de France

Not long ago, one of our clients gave us a photo of kitchen island that was a reproduction of a French antique counter made in the Louis XV.   We were asked to make our version of the piece.  It was a challenge but we welcomed it.  The end panels were made in Provence. 

Add caption

Moulding opens as drawers

"Drawers open as doors"

End panels handmade in Provence

Photos cou.rtesy of Betsy Barron. 

One of our latest....

We just received these new images from our photographer friend.  This kitchen, located in North Penn, PA, was completed last summer.  The island allows for seating for four.  The countertops are soapstone by Bucks County Soapstone with one section of maple butcher block for chopping.  Our cabinetry was finished in a dark olive milkpaint with a contrasting, lighter shade on the island.  Click here to see other projects.

New pieces for the Historic Home Show this weekend in Fredericksburg, VA.  Click here for info.
All pieces are available for sale...contact our office for pricing  610 296 2775.