Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Norton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I t all started when I was 7 years old, a neighbor gave my friend and I, a wooden log, a bag of nails and a couple of hammers. From then on, I was hooked. By the age of 10, I was working on our small ranch, building barns, fences, chicken coops etc. In our country high school, we had wood shop. I took six years of woodshop in 4 years of high school. I was “a student assistant”, for 2 years. Not actually assisting students though, I was put in the back room of unfinished projects and it was my job to complete them.
Deciphering hand written notes and drawings. Fixing what was broken or correcting designs, turning unfinished projects into memorable pieces of work. A prominent sign perhaps, of my future.
My dad and uncles were finishers and painters. It was the first trade I learned and the one I could make the most money at. I tried my hand at many trades. When I arrived in Dallas, my first job was foreman on a painting crew working on Lakeside. A beautiful pink home, it was known as the Lieberman residence. I excelled at decorative painting and lacquer finishing. I fell in love with Highland Park and its culture. I have worked there ever since. Yet, my heart still yearned, for doing fine woodwork, seeing so much elegance and fine furniture.
Then suddenly, at the age of 28, I met an Englishman. He was a third-generation period furniture restorer and furniture maker. On a job near Northwest highway, he was returning an antique trunk that he had completed. I had my own furniture finishing business on the side. I was curious to the quality of his work. When I saw it, I said, “It doesn’t look like he did anything at all. It still looked old.” He replied, “Well, it’s supposed to, isn’t it?” And so, my journey into history and the heritage of Period Furniture began.
I went to visit his shop and was so engrossed with his knowledge and skill; I offered to work for him, for free, just to learn, how to French polish. After six months of working evenings and weekends, I thought, I had learned enough. He then offered me $5 an hour, if I would continue. That was about a third of what I was making at my day job.
For the next six months, I saw many craftsmen with supposed knowledge come and go. He was very strict with his standards and methods of doing things. I learned well, so he offered me a matching salary and an apprenticeship to come on full time, and I did. My passion for woodwork and finishing finally came together.
I spent about four years with him, learning all that I could and then, started my own business.
Where, my learning has never stopped. Preserving history and carrying on the legacy of period furniture restoration and furniture making. My clients and the wonder of photography, speak for themselves.
I’ve had many apprentices and craftsmen work for me through the years. None could go the distance. It requires a special kind of desire and patience. About 10 years ago, I ran into a man that had a business with his partner for 30 years. They were very exclusive, things changed and this Master craftsman and furniture maker came to work for me.
Now it is just him and I. The best thing about it is the expertise and quality control we have in doing our work. Over 22 years in business now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When it comes to business, I would say, had I known how hard it could be, from the get go. I might have had second thoughts. Aside from that, the sweat of the brow, for the actual labor and ethical responsibility, was intense. I have found that the more one learns, the more there is to know. So, it’s a constant education. Working with like-minded people, no matter how difficult or demanding the project may be, still gives us a great satisfaction, to actually be a part of something that will last. This is what we strive for.
Norton’s Restorations – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Norton’s Restorations was founded in 1992. I’m a master restorer and furniture maker, with 34 years of woodwork, finishing, restoration and conservation expertise. We service private collections, designers, showrooms, fine homes, contractors and commercial properties for Dallas/Fort Worth. We also accept commissions from anywhere in the country.
Our goal is to carry on the legacy and heritage of traditional woodwork, cabinetry, furniture design. Most of all, the preservation of antique (Period) furniture.
We specialize in the restoration of period furniture and antiques, made between ca. 1600 – ca. 1900. We cover all aspects of restoration, from museum quality conservation, to partial and complete restoration, repairs, finishing and refurbishing. Preservation treatment for beetles and worms, dry rot, water damage, fire and mold. Repairs, refurbishing and refinishing. Fine woodwork, carving, inlay, veneering, gold leafing (oil & water), finishes, ornamentation, ormolu, mounts, hardware, locks, keys, and leather.
Our materials, techniques and tools are the same as those used for over 300 years.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Our success is relative to the satisfaction and trust of our clients. To preserve and pass on the history of our forebears. It’s through these relationships, we count our blessings.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3129 Interstate 30, Suite C
Mesquite, Texas 75150 - Website: www.nortonsrestorations.com
- Phone: (972) 613-9331
- Email: nortonsrestorations@msn.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nortonsrestorations/
- Other: https://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/tx/mesquite/norton%27s-restorations-reviews-4235950.htm
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
