Business Details
48 Years
experience
Crafting Bespoke Furniture & Restoration in Bath
Geoff Collard Bespoke Furniture & Design has been crafting exceptional wooden creations since 1978, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Founded by Geoff Collard after his apprenticeship at Hedges Joinery, the business specialises in bespoke furniture, architectural joinery, and restoration projects for historic properties. With decades of experience working on listed buildings, private residences, and unique commissions, the company prioritises client collaboration to deliver tailored solutions. Their expertise extends to secret bookcase doors, helical staircases, and oak beam cladding that seamlessly integrate with modern structures while preserving historical authenticity. The workshop in Peasedown St John remains a single-person operation, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a hands-on approach to every project.This dedication to craftsmanship has earned recognition from institutions like the Roman Baths and Bath University, as well as private clients seeking unparalleled quality. The business maintains a philosophy of continuous learning through its extensive collection of historical woodworking texts, ensuring traditional techniques remain at the core of every creation. Sustainability is prioritised through material selection and restoration practices that extend the life of historic structures. Clients benefit from direct access to the craftsman throughout the process, guaranteeing transparency and expertise at every stage. This combination of heritage knowledge and innovative problem-solving has established the business as a trusted name in bespoke woodworking for both functional and artistic projects.
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Restoration
Bookcase Doors
Oak Beams
Staircases
Kitchens
Wardrobes
Libraries
Secret Doors
Wood Turning
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of specialist experience in historic building restoration
- Unique capability in creating secret bookcase doors and architectural joinery
- Direct collaboration with craftsman throughout project lifecycle
- Award-winning work for Roman Baths and Bath University commissions
- Extensive library of historical woodworking techniques for authentic results
What people say
Award-winning work
Historical authenticity
Direct collaboration
Unique designs
Meticulous attention
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Crafting unique wooden furniture tailored to client specifications using traditional joinery techniques. Each piece combines functionality with artistic design elements, from dining tables with geological inlays to carved display cabinets. Projects often incorporate unusual materials like resin and brass for distinctive finishes while maintaining structural integrity and practicality for everyday use.
Restoration
Specialist restoration of historic wooden features in listed buildings, including windows, doors, and architectural elements. Techniques preserve original character while addressing structural issues, using period-appropriate materials and methods. Recent projects include 500-year-old shutter restoration and Victorian porch repairs that maintain historical accuracy while ensuring modern functionality.
Secret Bookcase Doors
Design and installation of bookcase doors that conceal storage areas, escape routes, or private spaces within traditional and modern homes. These functional features maintain the appearance of standard bookshelves while incorporating mechanical systems for smooth operation, often combined with decorative elements like carved panels or resin inlays.
Oak Beam Cladding
Creating solid oak beam casings to conceal modern steel supports in historic buildings. This technique maintains period aesthetics while accommodating structural requirements, using traditional gluing and finishing methods to create the appearance of solid timber beams that blend seamlessly with original architecture.
Helical Staircases
Design and construction of spiral and curved staircases that combine safety with elegant design. These feature custom handrails and support structures tailored to available space, often incorporating unique materials like glass balustrades or decorative metalwork while maintaining strict safety standards for clients with height concerns.
People
Geoff Collard
Owner & Craftsman
Apprenticed at Hedges Joinery since 1978, Geoff has over 40 years' experience in bespoke furniture making and historic restoration. His work combines traditional techniques with innovative solutions, evidenced by commissions for Roman Baths artefacts and university installations. Maintains a personal library of historical woodworking texts to inform authentic restoration practices.
Questions
What types of bespoke furniture do you create?
We specialise in custom oak furniture including secret bookcase doors, helical staircases, libraries, and period-accurate pieces for both modern and historic properties.
Can you restore listed building features?
Yes, we specialise in restoring windows, doors, and architectural joinery for listed buildings using traditional techniques and materials.
How do you handle bespoke design commissions?
We work directly with clients to develop custom designs, providing technical expertise while maintaining their vision throughout the creation process.
What materials do you primarily use?
We work with solid oak, idigbo, mahogany, and other timbers suited to each project's requirements, prioritising durability and aesthetic quality.
Do you offer conservation services for historic properties?
Yes, we provide conservation and restoration services for historic buildings, maintaining original character while ensuring structural integrity.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Bath, we serve Mendip and surrounding areas, with previous projects extending to Frome, Chilcompton, and Bathampton.
