Restoration of a smashed up chair. A customer brought this smashed up chair in recently, asking if there’s any hope of repairing, as is part of a set? To be honest, I nearly said no chance, but knowing Eddie (cabinet maker/engineer) loves a challenge, I said leave with me and I’ll let you know!
Restoring this second half 18th century English oak cross-banded mule chest We just finished restoring this second half 18th century English oak cross-banded mule chest for a customer. There were also several structural repairs, eg top and back boards. One drawer front had been replaced well over 100 years ago, however they neglected to cross band, so Eddie worked his magic. Customers very happy with the results.
I sold this untouched 18th century English oak wine table recently. My customer wanted a fresh wax finish, as hadn’t been waxed in decades. Lifted the finish beautifully.. Description below, 18th Century English Country Oak Wine Table of Larger Proportions The well patinated, circular tilt top, on a tapered, turned central column Resting on three out-swept cabriole legs This table has never been restored, I will not restore this table until sold, and will only be waxed. C.1780 H 73cm Dia 79cm
Lightened this late 17th century baroque Italian walnut cupboard for customers recently. Wasn’t the original finish and had too much red in the polish. Will now suit their overall decor better and not look so heavy. One of a pair of Venetian Murano Red/Pink and Gold Aventurine Glass Table Lamps. In the form of a Dolphin, in the manner of Salviati, 34cm overall height Rare 17th/18th century European oil of a classical figure on copper. Wonderful late renaissance period colours, with a 19th century gilt frame. 17x14cm
Arts & crafts period side table Restoration. We restored this arts & crafts period side table for a customer recently. Thought it was worth showing photos from finished to damaged in reverse.. The square cross-banded top badly broken due to being dropped.
Some snapshots of stock in workshop awaiting re wax finishing. The shops so full of stock I may need to use workshop as part showroom. Have sold many dozens of pieces from workshop and storerooms over the years, usually to interior designers, but several customers regularly call by to see what’s out there…
Thought I’d show you how easy it is to re buff existing wax finishes. I find flannelette the best for a good easy shine. Cut all seams from material. Use your palm on a flat surface, obviously fingers into corners or threads, such as this. Before and after photos. Also the last wine thread I had, turned into a standard lamp.
Restoration of a late Georgian mahogany, beautifully silk upholstered arm chair We recently restored this late Georgian mahogany, beautifully silk upholstered arm chair for a customer. He’s owned it for years. His cheeky new puppy thought the moulded hand rest was tasty! Great work patching and re carving thanks Eddie. I did the colouring, not easy with the silk. David polished, cut back and re wax finished. Great teamwork here as always, and one very happy customer!
Restoring/altering the look of an already reproduction card table. Charlie & Jack did all the preparation months ago. Stripped the thick sticky red/brown lacquer, removed the same applied felt and prepared for (Graeme Davidson, Woodshed Antiques) to re felt.
Recent restoration of a customers paint damaged cherrywood coffee table. Sadly his son spray painted an object on the top, not realising the consequences to the finish or his bank account! Table restored, including all chipped paint. So happy customers.
RESTORATION: Late 17th Century Charles II carved walnut chair. Originally had a matching caned seat. Had been upholstered years ago, with borer eaten front seat rail. Fantastic repairs by Eddie, polishing by Jack and colouring by me. Craig Howell, upholsterer dropped the chair back today. Looking great!! Merrin will be a happy vegemite
Charlie’s second restoration job. 18th century English country oak gate-leg table. Charlie restored this table for Behruz, where it sits in their entrance foyer to the centre of a stunning rug. Charlie’s worked with Amir, Omid and all their wonderful staff for some time now, until he departs for Thailand later this month. This is Charlie’s ‘thank you’ to the boys
Charlie Allpress polishes his first piece Thanks to Jack for showing him. I look forward to continuing to teach Charlie restoration skills…
RESTORATION of an early 20th century English oak Jacobean revival writing bureau. Lacquers can rarely be saved and usually too dark to bother trying. In these cases we hand strip the lacquer, clean surface, mix a base stain, this time using “bitumen” a little trick I thought I’d share. Re-french polish, then cut back and wax finish to soften shine.
RESTORATION of attractive 19th century English mahogany lowboy/side table Afters then before’s of a now attractive 19th century English mahogany lowboy/side table. Having a cross-banded top with ebonised stringing inlay. Was very sun damaged and patchy on arrival, as you can see in last photos. This was a restoration job for customers.