RESTORATION SERVICES
Almost anything is restorable and we've got a years of experience across our team to provide services in a range of restoration practices from French Polishing to full reconstruction of complex antiques pieces.
MEET A MEMBER OF THE TEAM
Kevin Meritt
Kevin is our incredible French Polisher and Restorer, and has been working with our founder Katya for years. Born and bred around Marlborough, Wiltshire, he started his career as a furniture sprayer after leaving school, before going on to train as a carpenter. After many years in this field he found himself moving closer and closer to antiques and fell in love with restoration and French Polishing a decade or so ago, a passion he fills with dedication and pride for us today. We couldn't do what we do without him.
WHAT IS FURNITURE RESTORATION
Furniture doesn’t last forever, especially well-used and well-loved pieces. Drinks are spilt, upholstery torn, tabletops scratched, and chair legs chewed. Restoration services aim to bring a piece back to it's original form and functionality, and involve a range of highly specialised processes. aimed at maintaining as much of original look as possible.
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Our skilled team carefully assess every new pieces condition, considering factors such as wood type, age, and design, in order to devise a tailored restoration plan. Work typically includes tasks like repairing structural integrity, filling cracks and blemishes, and refinishing surfaces. This may involve traditional methods like French polishing or more modern approaches to achieve the desired outcome, while retaining the furniture’s original character and charm.
By restoring rather than replacing furniture, one can contribute to a sustainable approach, reducing waste, and embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle. We aim to help individuals maintain family heirlooms, antique treasures, or beloved pieces, while preserving their personal and cultural history for future generations.
WHAT WE OFFER
01
French Polishing
French polishing as a technique dates back to the late 1700s, and is famed for it’ s ability to produce a deep and rich sheen on wooden furniture comparable to none. It is a pain staking process that requires many yers of experience to perfect, and can take anything from days to weeks to complete.
02
Gilding
The word gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone or metal to give a thin coating of gold. The majority of gilded furniture and frames are made of wood that have been coated with material made of chalk and glue that is applied when hot, commonly known as ‘gesso’.
03
Repair and Restoration
A common approach of any experienced antique furniture restorer is working out how a piece was first crafted. It is important to follow all the same techniques and materials used, where possible, ultimately seeking the least intrusive procedure, preserving as much of the original as possible, in turn retaining the integrity of the antique piece
04
Candlestick and Vase Conversion, and PAT Testing
We have a fully licensed electrician as part of our busy team who can easily convert vases and candlesticks into electric lamps. We also provide full PAT testing on site.
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ENQUIRIES
The Barn, Fox Farm, Ermin Street Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 7TR
0779988078