Mid Century Berner Huwil Record Cabinet

This is just such a fabulously cool, mid-century record / drinks cabinet! (Please see video as it shows the inside better, with less glare). It belonged within the same family up until now, and was a treasured and well used piece that once housed a proud collection of jazz records.

Not only does the wood grain now have its beautiful natural luminosity back after taking off the old mahogany coloured lacquer, it has amazing tambour sliding doors with the original knobs, so it can remain open to show the inside off, without the doors protruding.

I have included a before photo of it totally taken apart and stripped of old finish, as well as some process photos too.

I wanted this piece to be totally swanky, in the true sense of the word. I have used the art of ‘reverse glass gilding/painting’ (only I’ve used strong polycarbonate instead, as glass would have added far too much weight in the amount I required) which is designing an artwork on the reverse side, initially drawn out over a very thin layer of applied vinyl, then hand cut out, gilded and painted (see pic), so the showy side is not only glassy-gleamy, but is also protected.

I wanted to design a style of artwork that was very in-keeping with the era this piece was original crafted in (1950s). The repeated metallic pewter and black diamond pattern lines all sides of the inside. The rose gold gilded bow ties are in each corner of each section and have a mirror reflective shine, as do both of the glasses and cocktail swizzler.

I designed the main martini cocktail glass so that at a certain angle, the reflection forms a whole glass (shown at the end of video). The gilding was applied using a traditional warmed gelatine size. I used genuine silver leaf, and also coloured metal leaf. When dry, it was re-gilded to fill any gaps, then burnished to create a mirror reflective shine.

This was then painted over and top coated to seal and protect it. As with all my creations, this design was crafted with meticulous precision and care. Originally, it had the record support bars inside each section, but due to modern day living, I decided to remove the other adjacent bars to broaden its use. So if you fancy a swanky, chic and sleek, one off statement piece; this is for you :-).

MEASUREMENTS:

H: 67 cm
W: 79 cm
D: 38 cm

PROCESS HIGHLIGHTS:

🔸 Whole piece taken apart, cleaned, stripped of old finish then finely sanded

🔸 Tambour door wood strips re-secured and leather back pieces reattached, then a leather conditioner applied

🔸 Felt on bottom of doors re-secured

🔸 Door tracks top and bottom waxed for smoother closure

🔸 Brass feet removed, repaired, carefully cleaned and buffed back to original shiny gold

🔸 Coats of furniture oil applied to doors, sides, top surface, as well as inside top. Then all waxed and buffed

🔸 Legs were a different wood to the main piece, and were a lighter shade. So I blended wood dyes to achieve the same colour as the main piece. These were then oiled, waxed and metal foot caps were re-secured.

🔸 Knob handles we’re originally gold gilded, so we’re re-gilded

🔸 Polycarbonate cut to precise sizes for each section, and design drawn onto each piece then carefully hand cut ready for gilding and painting

🔸 All sections gilded twice, painted on reverse side, then top coated.

🔸 Whole piece re-assembled and artwork sections secured into place

🔸 Edges to inside shelves were painted black, then gold wax gilded over the original textured fabric, then buffed

🔸 Final coat of wax applied to all wood, and buffed again for completion

🔸 Outer back piece (that goes against the wall) wasn’t in the best condition as the original owner once removed it to try and install lights! Which didn’t quite go to plan, apparently! Haha. So I’ve filled those drill holes and re-secured it. I think that’s everything! 😅❤️

*Care and upkeep note*: the outside of this piece will only need a dry, soft cloth dust as and when. I always advise putting something protective under any item placed on the surface, for any item of furniture. For the inside, dusting with a dry soft cloth, and for potential wet marks from bottles; a barely damp soft cloth (spritzed with plain water).

As with glass surfaces, polycarbonate can also be scratched, albeit strong, so it’s advisable not to put anything sharp directly onto the surface. (Sorry, I know this is no doubt common sense, but feel it necessary to mention anyway :-))

*Please also be aware that vintage/antique items I sell may have age related marks / nicks / patina, especially depending on the age and original purpose of the item. I see the beauty and history in these, so will either leave them in, or work with them to add to the overall aesthetic of particular pieces*