Business Details
36 Years
experience
Expert Antique Furniture Restoration in Cheltenham
Established in 1990, Antique Restoration has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship in antique furniture restoration and cabinet making. With over 50 years of hands-on experience, our founder trained at Rycotewood College and West Dean College, earning the prestigious BADA Diploma under renowned tutors including John Bly of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. Our expertise spans the complete restoration of antiques, from repairing veneers and structural damage to traditional French polishing that preserves patination. We have worked internationally, including a decade in Japan where Fuji TV documented our specialist techniques. Clients trust us for meticulous attention to detail, whether restoring heirlooms like Biedermeier writing desks or adapting Edwardian furniture for modern use.Our Cheltenham workshop handles everything from clock cases to Arts & Crafts oak chairs, combining technical skill with deep respect for historical integrity. We provide transparent estimates and prioritise preserving each piece's unique character. This dedication has earned testimonials praising our 'class in craftsmanship' and 'sympathetic care' for treasured items. As stewards of heritage techniques, we continue advancing the art of restoration while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Cabinet Making
Vintage Car Woodwork
French Polishing
Antique Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 50 years experience in antique furniture restoration
- BADA Diploma holder from West Dean College
- Documented expertise in traditional French polishing
- International experience including Japan restoration projects
- Specialist in both Georgian and Japanese antique furniture
Associations and certifications
- British Antique Dealers Association (BADA)
What people say
Class in craftsmanship
Amazing job
Sympathetic care
Brilliant work
Family heirlooms revived
Services
Furniture Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique furniture including structural repairs, veneer replacement, and surface refinishing. We handle items from Georgian mahogany commodes to Victorian dining tables, using traditional techniques to preserve historical integrity while ensuring functionality for modern use.
French Polishing
Traditional French polishing techniques to enhance wood grain and preserve patina. This meticulous process brings out natural colours in antique pieces while providing protective finishes that maintain authenticity and value for heirloom furniture.
Cabinet Making
Custom cabinet making and repair services combining heritage techniques with modern requirements. From repairing broken legs on dining chairs to constructing period-accurate storage solutions, our work maintains structural integrity while respecting original design principles.
Vintage Car Woodwork
Specialist woodwork restoration for vintage vehicles, including external structural components and interior veneering. We refinish open-top car woodwork for durability while preserving deeply patinated interiors of classic models like Rolls Royce with traditional polishing methods.
Antique Repairs
Targeted repairs for specific damage including scratches, splits, watermarks, and missing elements. Our approach balances structural reinforcement with aesthetic restoration, ensuring repairs to items like oak coffers or Arts & Crafts chairs maintain their historical character.
People
Mike Antique Restoration
Antique Furniture Restorer
With over 50 years experience, Mike trained at Rycotewood College and West Dean College, earning the BADA Diploma. He ran a successful restoration business in Japan during the 1980s, documented by Fuji TV, and has specialised in antique furniture since 1975.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We specialise in antique furniture from Georgian mahogany pieces to Victorian dining tables, including Edwardian walnut desks and Arts & Crafts oak chairs. Our expertise covers structural repairs, veneer replacement, and traditional finishing techniques.
Do you provide repair estimates?
Yes, we always provide detailed estimates before starting work. Our transparent pricing covers everything from minor scratch repairs to complete restorations of valuable heirlooms.
How experienced are your restorers?
Our lead restorer has over 50 years experience, trained at Rycotewood College and West Dean College. He earned the BADA Diploma and has worked internationally, including a documented restoration project in Japan during the 1980s.
Can you restore vintage car woodwork?
Yes, we specialise in vintage vehicle woodwork restoration, handling both external structural components requiring durability and interior veneering needing delicate patina preservation for classic models.
What is French polishing?
French polishing is a traditional technique using shellac to create a deep, protective finish that enhances wood grain. We use this method to preserve patination on antique furniture while maintaining its historical authenticity.
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