Our Work
Restoration Workshop in Cambridge
The 19th Century Trestle Table was originally made for and owned by Lord Butler, MP for Saffron Walden. Twelve feet long and three feet wide, the table was to be used for meetings so two additional rails were required to support the top. Due to failed glue in the joints, the trestles had to be dismantled and repaired. The entire piece was finished with wax polish.
This beautiful 17th Century Oak Drop Leaf Dining Tables was in need of a complete overhaul. As the photo illustrates, it had to be completely dismantled. A new oak leaf was required to replace an old existing 'D' section and the top rejointed. The top finish was revived, all the hinges and broken screws removed and refitted. The drawer, legs and frame needed just as much attention but, as can be seen, the finished result is quite remarkable.
18th Century Gilt Wall Bracket
This piece required much work to bring it to a satisfactory condition where it could be re-gilded by the customer. Due to severe worm infestation the Limewood substrate had broken away in many places & consolidation was vital to conserve its structure. New wood was let in & missing Acanthus leaf & Scroll details re-carved.
This exceptionally fine armchair was designed in the 1930s by W F Crittall, not only the developer of metal window frames but also a well regarded furniture, and interior designer. Belonging to a private client, although well cared for, it required restoration work. The job entailed removing surface marks, re-gluing loose rails, re-upholstering the seat. The original leather seat covers were conditioned with hide food and colico strips stitched around the rather short edges to aid re-stretching over the new upholstery. Finally a modicum of cosmetic finishing to bring it back to its former glory.
Bespoke Library Bookcases in Mahogany Veneered Board
Tyndale House Centre For Biblical Study, Cambridge.
This new installation was designed, built & installed to provide additional space for this rare & unique collection of antiquarian books.
19th Century Mahogany Cupboard
Master's Lodge, Downing College, Cambridge.
The cupboard had been one side unit of three that had originally fitted together on one wall. The brief was to make a new plinth, cornice & re-veneer the ` unfinished ` side. In addition to new solid wood mouldings, the plinth & cornice were constructed from soft wood & covered with Mahogany veneer. All new work was stained, French Polished & patinated to blend in.
18th Century Mahogany Sideboard
Trinity College, Cambridge.
The Sideboard required a complete restoration including; re-gluing of structural timbers, patching in new veneers, fitting new drawer runners, , patching in new decorative inlay, making new solid wood mouldings, supplying new curtains, cleaning brassware, surface cleaning & re-polishing.
18th ,19th & 20th Century furniture on show
Kettles Yard House Museum, Cambridge.
Work ranges from removing stains & marks from the `Plank Table ` to restoring & conserving both chairs including new leather hide seating.
18th Century Walnut Tallboy
Private Customer, Cambridge.
This piece required new drawer runners to all drawers, new veneer patched in where missing & re-gluing of structural timber.. The non -original cornice sections were replaced with hand-moulded solid Walnut then chemically treated to simulate ageing, stained & French Polished to blend in.
18th Century Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
King's College, Cambridge.
A very large bookcase constructed in three separate units; a three door middle section with two two-door sections, one at each side. Although designed to fit together on one wall due to lack of space it is currently split into its three parts; the middle on one wall with the two side sections on the opposing wall, one on each side of the chimney breast.
The brief was to embellish each unit so as to appear ` finished`; a bookcase in its own right, rather than part of a larger piece. The work had to be reversible & not damage the original structure. Panels of veneered Mahogany were made, together with new solid wood mouldings for the plinth & cornice. All new work was coloured, French Polished, patinated & distressed to blend in.
19th Century Chaise Longue
This Regency piece required complete restoration including; stripping down to the frame, dismantling, repairing & re-gluing, repairing damage to castors, attending to missing & damaged gilt decoration, re-polishing & finally, traditional re-upholstering.
