Ryan Fightmaster, MD

Writer. Furniture professional. Former practicing physician.

This midcentury cabinet (circa 1960) is a timeless classic. And all credit belongs to its designer, the household name of midcentury modern houses: Jack Cartwright.

Hailing from Michigan, he was lead designer at Founders Furniture in the late 1950s through early 1960s, where he crafted enduring midcentury classics. Though his work with Founders was brief, seeing him exit in 1963 to launch his own company, Cartwright—which to this day continues to manufacture high-end office furniture in High Point, North Carolina—left an indelible legacy on the era’s aesthetic.

I started this restoration by removing the old finish (Danish Oil) and sanding away seventy years of dings and dents from the 100% walnut construction. Several areas required walnut veneer replacement (see the open bottom shelf and the bases on both sides). Thankfully, the original caning adorning both cabinet doors required no repairs. I refinished the piece with two rounds of Danish Oil, top to bottom, bringing the piece all the way back to its Cartwright roots.

Here’s the full restoration video: