Last weekend, I visited the very entertaining and talented New Orleans artist Matthew Thompson, who makes the most beautiful wood furniture and custom millwork that I've ever seen.

This trip down to see his work was particularly memorable.

He had just finished a gorgeous dresser (pictured below) as a wedding present for one of his apprentices at Silvarum (the firm he started years ago in Bywater). My amateur photos don't do it justice. It's made of walnut, French lacquered (20 coats!), and hand painted. The motif down the middle is a plumb bob, which is my favorite part.



On the afternoon of the big event, he delivered it to the New Orleans Museum of Art (where the wedding was held) and put it down among the stacks of other gifts for the lucky couple.

When they saw it for the first time, their expressions were priceless.

All the groom could say was "It's over the top, Matt, it's over the top. Thank you so much."

And they spent a good deal of the reception talking about where it would go in their first house together and showing their guests.

They will probably have it the rest of their lives.

How cool (and more important, meaningful) is that idea?!

I love it. It made me think, too, that anyone close to a couple getting married (parents, grandparents) could commission a gift like this.

Heirloom-quality furniture is so hard to come by these days, so if you are interested in having a piece made or just knowing more about Matthew Thompson's business, call or e-mail (he doesn't have a Web site): 504-945-0435 or silvarum.llc@gmail.com.

And stay tuned for a few other posts about other things he's working on...