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Ogdensburg Remington museum recevies donation of replica George II Washstand

Posted 2/27/12

OGDENSBURG - The Frederic Remington Art Museum recently received a donation of a replica George II Washstand. The Washstand was hand built by Nicholas Scelzi. A love of history and that it was …

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Ogdensburg Remington museum recevies donation of replica George II Washstand

Posted

OGDENSBURG - The Frederic Remington Art Museum recently received a donation of a replica George II Washstand.

The Washstand was hand built by Nicholas Scelzi. A love of history and that it was something different (along with a good supply of tight, growth cherry wood) drew Scelzi to recreate the George II Washstand. "It was a fragile piece and it looked interesting, I just felt good about it."

Scelzi's grandfather turned over the woodworking business to Nicholas, which he ran for 40 years until its closure in 1996. Scelzi served in the military at 18. In 1952, he completed his woodworking apprenticeship at the age of 35. Nicholas settled in Lisbon, NY in 1999 after living in North Glens Falls, NY and Florida.

Nicholas Scelzi's work (1100 - 1200 pieces) is drawn from original pieces made from the 1500's to the turn of the 20th century. Approximately four pieces of furniture are made each year.

Scelzi is comfortable making furniture from the Renaissance Era not only because it is profitable but because it is the "only period in history when furniture had quality."

The design and building work involved tedious hours of hand carving. Scelzi was prompted by Wes Stitt, Trustee Emeritus of the Frederic Remington Art Museum, to speak to Ed LaVarnway, Executive Director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum regarding the possibility of displaying the replica at the Museum.

The washstand is on display in the Administrative Offices parlor at 311 Washington Street.