Furniture Restoration and Repair

Furniture restoration, though practised informally for centuries, emerged as a distinct craft in the 18th century. The appreciation for antiques drove the demand for skilled restorers who could preserve the charm of old furnishings. By the early 20th century, English restorers established guidelines for maintaining historical integrity while improving functionality. The 1950s brought an increased focus on conservation over restoration, using less invasive techniques to maintain original materials. Today, this field balances restoration for usability with conservation to protect and respect historical value, remaining essential for preserving our material heritage.

Regency Desk

This desk had resided in a damp garden shed for many years and had provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to a hoard of woodworm.
The desk was treated for the infestation, the holes were filled and the result coloured back and french polished.

Early 20th Century Envelope Card Table

The surface of the card table was so decayed it had to be stripped and repolished and the baize renewed

Eagle Clock

Made in Germany in the 1880's there clocks were popular and cheap to buy. During World War 1 the eagles were often removed in a fit of patriotic zeal. This was the case with this clock.
Fortunately there was another clock with it's eagle intact in a house nearby and the owner was prevailed upon to lend the eagle for a cast to be made and a resin replica was cast and placed on the clock.

Linen Chest

This oak 17th century chest had it top replace in the 19th century with pine boards which were a completely different colour.
The top boards were coloured and french polished.

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