3 minute read
An Antiques Craftsman Celebrates 50 Years
An Antiques Craftsman Celebrates 50 Years
By Linda Roberts
Antiques conservator and master craftsman Nick Greer looks back over his 50 years of restoring and building period furniture and snaps his fingers. “It went like that,” he said.
Greer, who operates his highly specialized woodworking business from a restored barn at his family property just north of Purcellville, added that, “I’m fortunate I can do something that I love.”
Along with his team of 15 skilled craftsmen, most working at his shop for an average of 25 to 37 years, Greer quietly oversees a much sought-after business that the White House, Smithsonian and State Department (to name a few), as well as high-end antique shops, frequently employ. His rustic, three-level workshop is filled with all types of furniture, primarily 18th and 19th century pieces, in various stages of restoration, repair and refinishing.
Thursdays find Greer making various stops in Washington, D.C. to either pick up furniture in need of restoration or delivering finished pieces to his customers. He leaves his workshop about 4 a.m. and returns mid-afternoon. Fridays are reserved for shorter runs in the Middleburg and surrounding areas.
The quality of Greer’s work speaks for itself and Greer Antiques is continually sought after for the quality of its craftsmanship. His team stays busy completing their specialty tasks and many pieces are often returned to their owners within a week to two.
Greer noted that landing the job of handling the restoration for the National Gallery of Art of an Italian-made, circa 1400s table “put me on the map.” The Gallery then recommended his work to other museums and private collectors and his business was launched.
Loudoun wasn’t always home for the soft-spoken Greer, who learned his craft from his grandfather, an attorney who loved the art of wood sculpture. Born in New York, Greer found various jobs there, eventually landing in California where he worked on a ranch and practiced woodcarving in his spare time. His living room is filled with his carvings as well as other pieces he treasures inherited from his grandfather.
College at George Washington University and the thought of law school brought Greer to D.C. where he eventually landed a job helping create the Smithsonian’s massive Bicentennial project. He learned a great deal about woodworking on that project, and also lost the end of a finger, while on the job. Worker’s compensation allowed Greer to purchase his first set of woodworking tools, and in his 20s, he set forth on his initial business endeavor—the creation of miniature, built-to-scale furniture he sold at area fairs and events.
That work helped fund the purchase of property in Loudoun County, which included a run-down barn that eventually proved to be the perfect woodworking shop to launch his fledgling business. Initially Greer was the solo operator until he added two employees to help handle a growing list of clients.
“Some of my employees came here with experience but some did not,” said Greer, who provides his employees with full benefits to help retain the staff. “Plus,” he added with a twinkle in his eyes, “we have fun and we’re like a family.” Trim and fit at 77, Greer is an avid player at the Middleburg Tennis Club, and he said his family is known for its longevity. “I hope to do this for another 30 years,” he said.
