Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Professional Furniture Restoration Services
Established in 1997, Celia Frachon specialises in antique, period and modern furniture restoration using traditional French polishing techniques. With formal training at Paris' prestigious cole Boulle and extensive UK experience working with museums, churches and the National Trust, we combine European craftsmanship with British heritage expertise. Our Bath-based workshop serves private clients across Somerset and Wiltshire, offering bespoke solutions for damaged furniture including veneer repair, marquetry, leather finishing and water-damaged restoration.We prioritise client relationships, providing professional written reports for insurance claims and maintaining transparency through free estimates. Our unique wax formulation and specialist French products deliver superior finishes that enhance furniture longevity while preserving original character. Client testimonials highlight our meticulous attention to detail and ability to revive treasured pieces to their former glory.
Services
Furniture Restoration
French Polishing
Veneer Repair
Leather Finishing
Marquetry Work
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Trained at Paris' cole Boulle with 25+ years UK experience
- Specialist in heritage restoration for National Trust properties
- Uses traditional French polishing and bespoke wax formulations
- Provides professional insurance documentation for damaged items
- Offers on-site assessment for large furniture and staircases
What people say
Attention to detail
Brought furniture back to life
Professional insurance documentation
Warm, beautiful finish
Will use again
Services
Furniture Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique, period and modern furniture damaged by water, fire or accidents. Our Bath-based team handles structural repairs, veneer restoration and finish renewal while preserving original character. Using traditional French polishing techniques and bespoke wax formulations, we revive treasured pieces to their former glory for private collectors and heritage institutions across Somerset and Wiltshire.
French Polishing
Traditional French polishing using specialist products imported from France. Our Bath workshop applies 'vernis tampon' method to achieve warm, protective finishes that enhance wood grain. This meticulous process involves multiple thin layers applied by hand, creating a deep lustre that protects furniture while maintaining its natural beauty for generations.
Veneer Repair
Expert repair of damaged veneer on tables, cabinets and antique furniture. We match original materials including rare woods, brass, ivory and tortoiseshell for marquetry work. Our Bath-based specialists restore sun-bleached surfaces, burn marks and water-damaged veneer, ensuring seamless integration with existing patterns while preserving historical accuracy.
Leather Finishing
Premium leather restoration for bureau desks and writing boxes using high-quality materials. Our Bath workshop applies elegant gold tooling patterns to complement period furniture. This specialist service combines traditional techniques with modern materials to create durable, aesthetically pleasing finishes that enhance the value of antique writing furniture.
Marquetry Work
Precision marquetry restoration using veneer, brass, copper and organic materials. Our Bath-based team repairs intricate inlay patterns on antique furniture, matching original designs with historical accuracy. This specialist skill preserves decorative elements on tables, cabinets and collector's pieces, maintaining their artistic value and heritage significance.
People
Celia Frachon
Furniture Restorer
Trained at Paris' cole Boulle, Celia has 25+ years' experience restoring antique furniture for private clients and heritage institutions. Specialising in traditional French polishing techniques, she established her Bath workshop to serve Somerset and Wiltshire clients.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We specialise in antique, period and modern furniture restoration including tables, chairs, cabinets and decorative pieces. Our Bath workshop handles water-damaged, fire-damaged and accident-damaged items using traditional French polishing techniques.
Do you work on site or in your workshop?
Most restoration occurs in our Bath workshop, but we offer on-site assessment for large furniture, staircases and handrails. We also provide free collection and delivery for non-insurance work within our service area.
Can you restore severely damaged furniture?
Yes, we handle complex repairs including veneer restoration, marquetry work and structural damage. Our specialist techniques have successfully revived items from flood, fire and accident damage, often exceeding client expectations.
Do you provide insurance documentation?
Yes, we produce professional written reports and quotes specifically for insurance claims. Our detailed documentation helps clients secure appropriate compensation for damaged furniture restoration.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Bath, we serve Frome, Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham, Bruton and surrounding areas in Somerset and Wiltshire. Our mobile service includes on-site assessments and free collection/delivery for non-insurance work.
How do you maintain furniture authenticity?
We use traditional French polishing methods and specialist materials imported from France. Our bespoke wax formulation and careful colour restoration preserve original character while enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
