FAQs

How do you restore mid-century furniture?

Usually I sand or scrape the surface back to its original finish - 60 years of Pledge or Mr Sheen can build up quite a layer! Then I look for any deep scratches and dents and see if I can - quite literally - iron them out. Steaming can expand the wood and bring a dent back to the surface. For any large gouges, I use wax candles mixed to a close match. Wax can be oiled (but shellac cannot). Then it's a coat of XXX which is a mix of Linseed oil and xxx. to really bring out the grain. Finally, a coating of Briwax to protect the surface.

Is the furniture perfect?

Every item I sell has been around for a minimum of 50 years, and very often longer than that. Part of the joy of real wood is that it ages so beautifully, and the odd light nik and bump are part of its character and story. With glossy laminated pieces, once you've chipped the surface, the chipboard beneath immediately shows and ruins the look. With real wood, what's underneath is real wood! So my restoration work is painstaking and loving, and the pieces look great when they're done, which includes wearing their age with pride.

 

Do you deliver?

Right now, I can only ship the smaller items like nests of tables. In time, I plan to expand this, but the space required for large packing boxes is beyond what I have. However, if you want to arrange your own courier or collection, I can wrap an item in bubble wrap or film for its journey to you.