Business Details
31 Years
experience
Expert Furniture Restoration & Training in Chelmsford
Established in 1995, we are a furniture restoration co-operative rooted in Chelmsford, Essex, with origins tracing back to the early 1990s. Our foundation was built on providing therapeutic, skills-based activity for individuals recovering from mental health challenges, evolving into a social enterprise that combines professional furniture restoration with accredited training. We operate as a workers' co-operative, enabling members to participate in business operations while gaining nationally recognised qualifications through City & Guilds-approved courses.Our services include furniture restoration, French polishing, upholstery, box repairs, and rush/cane seating, delivered by experienced tutors who prioritise sustainability and community impact. Over three decades, we have supported hundreds of individuals through training and employment pathways, while serving customers seeking expert restoration of antique and modern furniture. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion remains central to our mission.
Services
Furniture Restoration
French Polishing
Upholstery
Box Repairs
Rush & Cane Seating
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 30 years of experience in furniture restoration and skills training
- City & Guilds-accredited courses for professional qualifications
- Therapeutic, inclusive environment for skill development
- Specialists in sustainable restoration techniques
- Experienced tutors with industry expertise
Associations and certifications
- City & Guilds
Services
Furniture Restoration
We restore antique and modern furniture to original condition using traditional techniques. Our experts handle broken joints, veneer repairs, and surface refinishing. Customers can bring personal items or use our practice pieces for comprehensive restoration.
French Polishing
Revive wood surfaces with authentic French polishing methods. Our specialists remove old finishes, apply shellac-based polishes, and achieve deep gloss finishes. This course teaches techniques applicable to both personal and professional projects.
Upholstery
Professional upholstery services for chairs, seats, and furniture. We use traditional and modern techniques to restore comfort and aesthetics. Courses cover drop-in seats to complex armchair projects with City & Guilds accreditation pathways.
Box Repairs
Specialist restoration for tea caddies, jewellery boxes, and writing slopes. Our craftsmen repair structural damage and refinish surfaces. Courses teach cabinet making, veneering, and finishing techniques for wooden containers.
Rush & Cane Seating
Traditional rush and cane seating restoration for chairs. We replace damaged materials using six-way caning patterns and natural sea-grass techniques. Training covers both antique restoration and new seating construction.
People
Paul Richmond
Secretary
With over two decades at MillRace, Paul leads upholstery training and business operations. He has guided numerous students through City & Guilds qualifications and specialises in traditional seating techniques.
Mike Thompson
Tutor
Mike delivers furniture restoration and box-making courses, sharing expertise in surface restoration and cabinet making. He has trained hundreds of students since joining MillRace's teaching team in the early 2000s.
Questions
What furniture restoration services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive restoration for antique and modern furniture including structural repairs, surface refinishing, upholstery, and specialist techniques like French polishing.
Do you offer accredited training courses?
Yes, we are a City & Guilds-approved centre offering accredited courses in furniture restoration, upholstery, and traditional woodworking techniques for all skill levels.
How does your co-operative support mental health?
We provide therapeutic skill development opportunities in a supportive environment, helping participants build confidence and transition to further education or employment through practical training.
Can I bring my own furniture for restoration?
Customers are welcome to bring personal items for assessment and restoration. Our team provides estimates and discusses appropriate repair methods during initial consultations.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We promote furniture reuse to reduce waste, using traditional techniques that extend item lifespans. Our courses teach sustainable practices that align with modern environmental priorities.
