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Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Portable Sawmill & Tree Service – Abingdon, VA

Monday

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Monday

#1

Monday

This furniture/architectural company still very much in business today traces its history back to 1883 when the original founders established a partnership to manufacture "artistic decorative accessories." An old lease dated April 13, 1890 describes the company as a carving and gilders business. By 1893, it blossomed into a manufacturer of the moldings that would adorn the buildings and halls showcased in the Columbian Exposition of 1893. These buildings, embellished with their moldings became known as the "White City." This World's Fair of 1893 attracted a wealth of world class artists, sculptors, carvers and craftsmen to Chicago. The company name I'm searching for drew from a rich talent pool of German, Italian and Polish artisans who over the following decades would create the artistic legacy seen today in their product offerings. The last catalogs I own are a group of five (one of which is exclusively for woodworking and furniture building) and (all five total) are over 1� thick and some pages have over 100 examples on a page of their products, each different. The company today has a product list of 14,000 different architectural elements in plaster, wood, and wood/straw composition along with a full line of fireplace mantels. Name the company.

Re: Monday

#2

Re: Monday

Is it now a subsidiary of Cabela's?

Tom

Re: Monday

#3

I have placed a call to them to

check it out. I do not believe so. They are located in Chicago and are a staple for restorations of old movie houses, old south homes, casinos, etc. Where ever there is fancy work these people are known. They have been featured on "This Old House" several times. They are well established for high end framers of significant art. If it isn't carved for real, chances are that the moldings you purchase come from the 100 plus year old wooden molds from this company.

They have extensive inventory of Egyptian and Greek motifs. If you favor fancy French "ribbons", swags, the choices are many.

Re: Monday

#4

Think I am wrong then.

I was guessing Van Dyke Restorers.

T.

Re: Monday

#5

Thanks, Tom, but not them

Re: Monday

#6

Monday answer

The name of the company is Decorators Supply and they are located in Chicago. They have a web site at www.decoratorssupply.com. They have excellent people to help. The catalogs are $35.00 these days, and there is no longer a published price list�but the web or telephone will get you there.

The molds for all are wonderfully made wood molds where the old formula of molasses, hide glue, binders, and tens of other ingredients are blended. The non-plaster items are steamed and placed on the item. They then can be painted or stained to match the item.

If you haven�t visited this site, do it, and refresh your ideas. Be aware that when using the items from this company a little can go a long way -- unless you are going back to the Sun King style of fashion. Still, for furniture makers, mantle makers, restorers, fancy ceiling ideas, you ought to know of these people.

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