This is an exceptional book...stunningly done with beautiful color plates.

First published in 1940, this is the 1947 second edition. One of the hardest things was trying to decide which catagories to list this under. Early in the author's study of old-time painted designs, it became apparent that the processes used in decorating antique furniture and tinware were of a different nature than those now commonly employed. Diligent search of practical books failed to reveal any information on the subject, and teachers in this line were not available. It therefore became necessary for the author to learn by analytical observation of the designs themselves, through attempting to record the exact effects, and by tracking down odd bits and pieces of information in some antique instruction book. Not since 1825 has a decorative painter's guide appeared upon the market, and many are the claims that stenciling and gold-leaf work have become "forgotten arts."

Learning by trial-and-error methods was so costly in time and effort that the author now presents the results of her research in the hope that craftsmen who wish to restore old designs may know how to execute them. It is her earnest wish that antique furniture and tinware, old-time decorated walls and floors, may be restored with their proper designs and with their own methods of painting. If, by broadcasting knowledge of old patterns and the ways to restore them, the author may succeed in causing some examples now in damaged form to be rescued from oblivion, she counts her efforts well expended. Our old-time designers had a feeling for beauty which we would do well to follow, and a love of color we may employ enthusiastically today.

I would like to list the chapters in this book since I think it would be very helpful. Each chapter has a subtopic also.

Introduction:The Historical Background of Decorative Design...Chapter 1: Principles of Furniture Decorating - Materials and Tools...Chapter 2: The Methods of Applying Decorative Designs...Chapter 3: Brush-Stroke Painting...Chapter 4: Freehand Bronze Painting...Chapter 5: Methods of Laying Gold Leaf and Similar Metals...Chapter 6: Technique of Floating Color...Chapter 7: The Early Art of Japanning...Chapter 8: Searching for an Old Design Beneath Outer Paints...Chapter 9: Restoration and Reproduction of Original Designs...Chapter 10: Antiquing and Finishing...Chapter 11: Painting of Furniture in Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Other Styles...Chapter 12: Oil-Painted Boxes and Chests...Chapter 13: General Directions for the Painting of Tinware...Chapter 14: The Painting of Colonial Woodwork...Chapter 15: Early American Wall Decoration...Chapter 16: Practical Demonstrations of Old-Time Technique.

There is a list of illustrations and color plates. Also inserted in this book is an article on Paint Grinding and Decorating. It is on two large pages with lots of photos. I found this fascinating since way back this was the only way to make paint.

This book has yellowed with age. There are some water spots on the cover. The spine has held up well and is intact. It is lavishly illustrated with instructions given for refinishing and painting many pieces.

265 pages.

I combine shipping!!!