Our restoration workshop provides traditional repair, conservation and upholstery services for English period furniture. Based near our Tring location, the workshops handle structural repairs, surface restoration, and upholstery using traditional techniques.
We work on pieces from our own stock, items clients have purchased elsewhere, and furniture requiring attention before sale.
Workshop Services
Structural Restoration Repair of loose joints, broken components, warped elements, and structural issues. Traditional joinery techniques used to stabilise and repair furniture.
French Polishing Traditional shellac finishing applied by hand. We restore or refresh existing French polish finishes on period furniture.
Veneer Work Repair and re-laying of loose or damaged veneers. Replacement of missing veneer sections using appropriate timber species.
Component Replacement When components are beyond repair—broken legs, missing carvings, lost turnings—we produce replacements. Work is matched to existing elements in style, timber and finish.
Traditional Upholstery Period upholstery techniques including hand-tied springs, horsehair stuffing, and traditional foundation materials. We re-upholster seating furniture using traditional methods.
Conservation Minimal intervention conservation for significant pieces where preserving original materials and finish is paramount. Appropriate for museum-quality items or documented makers' works.
What We Restore
The workshop handles all types of period furniture including tables, chairs, desks, bookcases, cabinets, chests, and sideboards. We also restore mirrors, frames, boxes, and other wooden decorative objects.
Upholstery Services
Before upholstery work begins, frames undergo structural assessment and any necessary repairs. Woodwork is cleaned and refinished as needed before upholstery application.
Clients select upholstery fabrics from their own sources or we can recommend period-appropriate textile suppliers. We provide guidance on yardage requirements.
Restoration Philosophy
We preserve original features wherever possible. Period furniture retains value when original elements are maintained rather than replaced unnecessarily. Our approach prioritises conservation of authentic components.
Traditional techniques and materials are used throughout restoration work. Modern shortcuts that might compromise authenticity or future conservation work are avoided.
Assessment is honest—sometimes restoration costs may not be justified by a piece's value. We advise on whether restoration makes practical sense for particular items.
The Restoration Process
Pieces requiring restoration should be photographed and emailed to us for assessment in the first instance . We examine condition, discuss restoration options, and provide written quotations outlining proposed work.
Once approved, work schedules into workshop capacity. For significant projects, we can provide progress updates as work proceeds.
Completed work includes documentation of restoration undertaken, materials used, and care recommendations for maintained pieces.
Restoration vs Conservation
Restoration makes pieces functional and appropriate for everyday use, which may involve refinishing, re-upholstering, or replacing damaged elements. This suits furniture used in homes and daily settings.
Conservation takes a minimal intervention approach, preserving historical integrity and original materials with stabilisation rather than renewal. This suits museum-quality pieces or items where originality significantly affects value.
We advise which approach is appropriate based on the piece's significance, condition, and intended use.
After Restoration
Restored pieces include care instructions specific to materials and finishes used. We're available for ongoing advice about maintaining restored furniture.
Getting Restoration Quotes
Contact us with photographs and descriptions of items requiring restoration. We'll advise whether we can assist and arrange assessment appointments.
Restoration Enquiries:
Call: +44 (0) 1442 823030
Email: info@johnbly.com