For over twenty years we have been providing antique furniture restoration, french polishing, cabinet making, bespoke antique dealing and sourcing for clients within the UK, and throughout America and Europe. No job is too large or too small. We offer expertise in all aspects of furniture restoration for clients, and are dedicated to every detail in furniture restoration and conservation. Comprehensive restoration and repair service: Cabinet Work, Veneer Inlay and Marquetry, Woodturning, Carving, Cane and Rush, Upholstery, Leather Desk Lining, French Polishing.
Geoffrey graduated from Brunel Technical College in 1989, having achieved distinctions in City and Guilds Cabinet Making alongside apprentices from Gordon Russell and John Makepeace. Geoffrey was then employed by the family firm of Blanchards in Winchester where he worked as the head restorer, dealing in high end and museum quality antiques with clients ranging from David Frost to Joan Collins. In 1994 Geoffrey was approached by Simon's Antiques of Wiesbaden in Germany, where he took on the position as restorer and manager until 1999, specialising in Georgian & Regency antiques.
At Geoffrey Warwick we take the conservation of antique furniture very seriously as we believe no body owns an antique but is rather the custodian for future generations. Conservation can be broken down to three major sections. Preservation, Stabilisation and Restoration. So as to preserve antique furniture we must first investigate the cause of deterioration and ascertain how this can be minimized, we must then stabilise the piece so that it stays in its current condition and finally we must restore in a sympathetic manner so as not to alter the piece.
French Polishing is the method used in applying shellac, a secreted resin form the lac beetle, it originated in late 18th century France. Though French polished furniture does require more care in your home, as it is neither heat or water resistant, it is unsurpassed and prized for its brilliance, clarity and depth it gives to furniture. When we view a piece of furniture for restoration we need to assess what condition the polished finish is in or what finish has been applied. Too often we visit a clients home where a piece of antique furniture has been lacquered or varnished rather than French polished, lacquered or varnished pieces often look dull, lack any depth and will devalue the piece and has no place in restoration work.
Geoffrey Warwick is an established Antique Dealer. We specialise in sourcing and locating antique furniture for clients and will source antiques to match your requirements. We will be happy to try and source the antique you are looking for through our numerous contacts. From our Hertfordshire base we have easy access to auction rooms and antique dealers throughout the Home Counties and London, but also purchase for clients in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and mainland Europe. Please Contact us with details of the antique you are requiring.
At Geoffrey Warwick, our aim in furniture restoration is to preserve the elegance and usefulness of your antique or piece of furniture, this differs from when we carry out historical conservation which is described in more detail under furniture conservation. Our belief is workbench skills alone do not make a good furniture restorer, a good knowledge of furniture history and making is essential. During furniture restoration we always aim to keep pieces as original as possible and avoid alterations which conflict with the original piece.
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