Author
Mark C. Anderson
I just returned from visiting principals in Europe, where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with one of my artisan partners in Austria, Thomas Reiner of ANTIQUE PARQUET.
Dividing his time between Monaco, Vienna, and Kitzbuehel, Thomas Reiner is widely recognized as one of the leading Master Restorers of antique parquet in historic properties throughout Europe. Thomas has performed many restorations, including the SISI Musuem in the Vienna Hofburg, which bears the foot-traffic of over 700,000 visitors annually. His historically accurate restoration methods include: surface cleaning and repair utilizing the proper hand-made bone glues, leveling the bearing layer, repairing the tongue & groove, and refinishing using non-synthetic, authentic preparations such as oil, wax, and ash.
Via AIC|LUXURA GROUP’s relationship with ANTIQUE PARQUET, we are able to provide access to one of the most exclusive collections of authentic antique parquet in the world.
Via AIC|LUXURA GROUP’s relationship with ANTIQUE PARQUET, we are able to provide access to one of the most exclusive collections of authentic antique parquet in the world.
One collection recently sold, includes this beautiful hexagonal oak parquet, which was reclaimed from the ALBERTINA's “Hall of Muses” during its latest renovation in 1998-2003.
Per the Palace website, "One of the world’s finest art collections has been housed since 1805 in the Albertina, a grand Viennese palace in the Neoclassical style. The palace takes its name from the collection’s founder, Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, a son-in-law of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. It was built in 1744 for Count Emanuel Teles Silva-Tarouca.
In 1794, Duke Albert received the palace as a gift from Emperor Franz II, and in 1802 he contracted Belgian architect Louis de Montoyer to add a wing of staterooms. In 1822, Duke Albert’s adopted son, Archduke Carl, employed Joseph Kornhäusel, a Viennese architect, to refurbish the apartments in Empire style." Thomas' additional sources state, "Interior designer Joseph Ulrich Danhauser was simultaneously employed to redesign the interior. The subsequent remodeling saw the creation of the palace’s central state room, the Hall of the Muses, with its allegorical statuary by sculptor Joseph Klieber."
Until the renovations of 1998-2003, the panel parquet presented [above/below] served as the stateroom’s flooring.
Per the Palace website, "One of the world’s finest art collections has been housed since 1805 in the Albertina, a grand Viennese palace in the Neoclassical style. The palace takes its name from the collection’s founder, Duke Albert of Saxe-Teschen, a son-in-law of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. It was built in 1744 for Count Emanuel Teles Silva-Tarouca.
In 1794, Duke Albert received the palace as a gift from Emperor Franz II, and in 1802 he contracted Belgian architect Louis de Montoyer to add a wing of staterooms. In 1822, Duke Albert’s adopted son, Archduke Carl, employed Joseph Kornhäusel, a Viennese architect, to refurbish the apartments in Empire style." Thomas' additional sources state, "Interior designer Joseph Ulrich Danhauser was simultaneously employed to redesign the interior. The subsequent remodeling saw the creation of the palace’s central state room, the Hall of the Muses, with its allegorical statuary by sculptor Joseph Klieber."
Until the renovations of 1998-2003, the panel parquet presented [above/below] served as the stateroom’s flooring.
As you can see, there are multiple finish possibilities, all using original, restoration methods & finishes. This exclusive offering represents the level of style, authenticity, and exclusivity of the ANTIQUE PARQUET collection.
Modern Takes...
Whereas the ALBERTINA parquet is is a collection of significant historical background, well restored ANTIQUE PARQUETs can also bring warmth and beauty to more modern surroundings. Shown below- a lightly oiled Chantilly parquet, as installed in the CACHIL Vienna fashion boutique. Just a few ideas...