Craftsmanship Series: Stan John's Art of Restoration
Greetings!
At Antique Resources, customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. Over the years, we have listened to our clients' desires for antiques that are not just beautiful, but also ready to be seamlessly integrated into their homes. We understand the importance of providing pieces that require no additional restoration, saving our customers the time and effort of seeking external services.

Therefore, our third and final story in the Antique Resources Craftsman Series is Stan John, the restorer behind many of the pieces at Antique Resources. Stan is very inventive and uses his skills to create custom solutions to restore wood, metal, and marble.
Meet Stanislaw Zachara also known as Stan John of Stan John Restorers

Born into a lineage of skilled woodworkers, Stan's journey began in the dust-filled workshop of his father in East Krakow, Poland. Encouraged by his grandfather, a young Stan, at the tender age of nine, first stepped into the world of woodworking. This early exposure ignited a passion that would shape his future. Despite attending mechanical school, woodworking remained his true calling, a hobby that would eventually define his career path. Reflecting on his life's decisions, Stan recounts the pivotal moment when he chose the path of woodworking over automotive work—a decision that, save for a brief interlude in the military, would dedicate his life to the craft of wood.
9 year old Stan on a horse and buggy.
Nine-year-old Stan riding a horse and buggy.
Stan visiting Budapest with his automotive school classmates.
20-year-old Stan visiting Budapest with his Automotive School classmates.
Prior to his arrival in the United States in 1999, Stan had already amassed considerable expertise in woodworking, a craft he honed while constructing furniture in Poland. Upon relocating to America, he lent his skills to esteemed Chicago establishments such as Bernacki and Associates Inc., Jay Roberts Antiques, Crest Lighting, and Spencer Weisz Galleries. Moreover, Stan has been involved in restoration projects for the Polish Museum in Chicago, in addition to serving a roster of distinguished clients across Illinois and Wisconsin.
Stan in the Bernacki workshop applied varnish to an Art Deco Macassar cabinet.
Antique Restoration at Antique Resources

In 2004, Stan began working at Antique Resources in Chicago, referred by Spencer Weisz Galleries. Spencer; who admired Stan's skill, nicknamed him "Picasso," a name that stuck thanks to Richard, the owner of Antique Resources. Spencer even gifted Stan a biography of Picasso, deepening Stan's connection to his craft.

At Antique Resources, Stan was in his element working with exotic veneers and various lumbers. His deep knowledge of wood and love for nature made him perfect for restoring antique furniture. Stan approached his work with professionalism, ensuring each piece was restored with the right techniques.

Though now based in Wisconsin, Stan regularly travels to Chicago to work. Maribel, the curator of Antique Resources, trusts him completely to care for the furniture properly. Stan's dedication makes him a revered figure in the world of antique restoration, much like a modern-day Picasso.
Stan at the Antique Resources workshop.
Check out this Instagram video of Stan with this beautiful Georgian Rosewood Veneered Mahogany Crank Table.

Stan's Approach to Preservation:
Insight into his Conservation Services
Restoration vs. Refinishing: Stan's Perspective

Stan emphasizes the importance of choosing the right approach for antique care: Restoration focuses on preserving and enhancing the original character and value of a piece through careful cleaning, minor repairs, and revitalization of the existing finish using traditional methods to maintain authenticity.

Refinishing completely renews the surface appearance, ideal for significantly worn pieces or when a change in appearance is desired, though this process can alter the piece's original state but offers a fresh, new look. Stan offers both services, tailoring his approach to meet client desires and investment levels, ensuring the result aligns with their vision.
Stan crafting a beech leg for a customized set of side chairs for a his client.
Sometimes clients have a clear vision for the final appearance of a piece but may not be aware of the various methods and associated costs needed to achieve that look. In such cases, Stan expertly guides them through the available options.

For example, when a client wishes to have an item regilded, Stan discusses preferences regarding the type of gold—whether 14KT or imitation—and its form, either in sheets or ground. He also explores alternatives like gold paint.

Stan's deep knowledge of restoration enables him to evaluate a piece and identify the appropriate restoration methods quickly. He then recommends the most effective finishing techniques, such as waxing, varnishing, or French polish, to achieve the best outcomes. His expertise also encompasses custom furniture creation; he is presently crafting a bespoke banquette for a client.
Stan's expertise is extensive, encompassing wood restoration, metal part fabrication, and marble repair. Recently, he restored a broken marble tabletop for this 19th-century French Louis XV Style Table from Maison Forest.
When restoring broken marble properly, a mesh is placed underneath for additional support and stability. The surface is cleaned, polished, and sealed to protect the repair. Stan's makes it look like it was never broken.
Stan is also a locksmith, crafting locks and keys for old European locks.
Stan cleverly added an antique bracket to secure the removable brass serving tray on the English Regency horseshoe hunt table, to prevent it from getting damaged or lost, when removed.
Thanks to Stan's expert restoration, the future owner of this over 200-year-old Regency hunt table will enjoy its charm and functionality for many years to come, perpetuating a tradition of elegant entertaining.Click on the above photo for a look at this amazing table.
Beyond the Workshop


Besides his craft, Stan has many interests. He enjoys motorcycling and recently completed a trip to Alaska from Chicago.

He enjoys cooking with his wife and makes homemade sausage using quality Wisconsin meats. An avid gardener, Stan created an extensive irrigation system for his garden.
Stan and his wife on a motorcycle trip from Chicago to Alaska with his Miniature Pinscher "Chopper"
In Closing

When you choose Antique Resources, you can have full confidence that your newly acquired treasures are not only of the highest quality but also in the best possible condition we can offer. This assurance is thanks to the skilled restorers featured in this series. Their exceptional talents play a crucial role in enabling Antique Resources to present you with pieces in their finest condition. We celebrate their contributions and acknowledge that our commitment to excellence would not be possible without them.

Stan is available for consultations and can be reached at (773) 968-4780.

If there is any topic related to antiques you wish to hear about, let us know. This newsletter is for you, and we are creating a community where we can all share and grow in our love for antiques.
Behind Stan is a protective case for the table leaf of the hunt table to prevent damage when it is not in use. Although not part of the original design, this practical addition was thoughtfully designed and created by Stan to address a potential issue.