About
Michael Kelly Furniture Crafts
I have been making and restoring new and antique furniture for around fifty years.
I originally started working in furniture as an upholster in Launceston before moving to Hobart Tasmania which included a number of years over two stints where I learned traditional upholstery techniques and a year’s stint as a wood machinist prepping wood for the construction of new furniture.
I spent over twenty years working full time for De Witt Antiques in Hobart as the main restorer conducting all required restoration activities including cabinet making, wood turning, wood carving, French polishing, glazing, lock smithing, leather tooling and traditional upholstery.
Extra activities included blacksmithing which saw the creation of the blacksmith light bracket made in collaboration with David Frost one of the partners of De Witt Antiques, erected on the front of the De Witt Antiques main shop at 52 Bathurst St Hobart. The bracket can still be seen at this address though the shop has changed. Close examination of the light bracket will show both David’s name and my nick name Ned Kelly welded into the bottom rails on each side of the bracket.
I moved to Perth to follow my children where I spent a couple of years doing home furnishings. I continued with antiques working part-time at South Perth Antiques working for Geoff Roberts.
It was during this time I ventured into the world of health and safety with twenty years having now passed.
I have now set up a small workshop at home where I live in readiness for my retirement and intend on moving back into the world of wood which I find brings so much pleasure for myself, my family and customers
Woods Available in my Local Area
I prefer to build furniture out of quality woods including she-oak, mahogany, walnut, huon pine, blackwood and similar woods. Radiata pine is available, though does not provide good wood for carving. Availability of wood varies at times and there are other factors that dictate the materials available which would be discussed with any prospective customer before agreeing to a contract.
The price of wood has also risen and varies depending on availability and any requirement to import the timber.
Furniture Finishing
My preferred finish is French polish which is a very durable finish and provides a fine sheen and depth of colour and is easily repaired by the application of a dark stain furniture wax.
I also use a floor polyurethane which is a hard-wearing surface for bonsai tables as requested by customers.
My signature finish is to French polish the item and then provide a soft sheen wax finish which hardens up over time.
Glues and Fittings
I use marine E-Poxy glue for all main joints, finding this a very durable product which is easy to use and finish. PVA is also used for general requirements.
I spend time looking for and acquiring traditional brass fittings and screws with many items purchased overseas.
handcrafted, bespoke, unique...
Australian Made...
ALL HANDCRAFTED
FROM PERTH, WA