Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2011.01.46 |
Object Name |
Press, Veneer |
Features |
A cast iron veneer press with two rectangular metal beds underneath a wheel; attached by a sodered on pipe Ferrous base metal veneer press (cast iron or steel). Rectangular base and top metal plate attached by a pipe and large screw with a wheel handle. Rectangular base, with rounded extensions on the short sides where the ends of a "C" shaped pipe attaches. The pipe curves over the top of the base and a corresponding top plate. A large screw goes perpendicularly down through the top of the pipe to attach to the top plate by soldering and several bolts. Attached to the top of the screw is a wheel that when turned allows the top plate to move up and down. |
Object Story |
This veneer press was likely used by Gibbard Furniture in their manufacturing process. A veneer is a thin sheet of a valuable wood or other material such as ivory, that is attached to the surface of a piece of furniture, usually made of a less valuable solid wood or an inexpensive material such as MDF. Veneers can be used as an added decoration to a piece of furniture, or can completly obscure the less valuable material so that only the veneer is visible. Using veneers can add to the aesthetic value of a piece by adding areas of more desirable material or unique patterns such as if burl wood is used. The use of veneers is also considered more economical, and in certain cases more enviromentally concious as it requires less of potentially rare materials. There are several different ways to attach veneers to the base material, one of which would be through the use of a mechnical press, such as this artifact. This process involves an adhesive being applied between the base matrial and the veneer followed by it being placed in the lowered press to apply an even pressure while the adhesive dries. Gibbard Furniture was a company founded by John Gibbard who was born in 1813. Around adulthood he became an apprentice to his Father, who was a carpenter and millwright. In 1836 John Gibbard moved to Napanee where he at one point worked for John Benson installing doors and windows for Benson's store. In 1860 he leased a mill from William Bartels where he made furniture as well as doors, coffins, and more. His business grew throughout his life and managed to overcome the significant challenge of two separate fires. John Gibbard passed away in 1908. Gibbard Furniture remained in the his family until 1940 when it was purchased by Jack McPherson a former Gibbard sale's manager. It remained in the McPherson family until 2009 when the factory was shut down. |
People |
Gibbard, John Benson, John Bartels, William Mcpherson McPherson, Jack |
Subjects |
Woodwork Woodworking Furniture industry Furniture Furniture Making |
Search Terms |
Gibbard Gibbard Furniture Gibbard's Furniture Gibbards |