Restoring to improve

conserving to preserve

Fine repair and cleaning of furniture and picture frames

Tel: 07850014401

Email: andy@huntrestoration.co.uk

London - Essex - Hertfordshire - Yorkshire

meet andy

I am highly skilled in conserving and restoring furniture and gilded picture frames. My experience includes relocating and restoring a large octagonal bar at the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate, conserving and creating furniture and historic interiors at an ICON Accredited workshop, and working as a Frames and Furniture Conservator for the Manchester City Art Gallery expansion. I am efficient, enthusiastic, and organised. My meticulous approach ensures every project receives thorough care and attention

What I do

Over 40 years of experience in conservation and restoration

  • Furniture: Repairing structural and functional issues, replacing damaged parts and finished surfaces

  • Traditional finishing: Including shellac (French polishing), gilding, wax and oil finishes. Matching new to old surfaces in colour, texture and sheen

  • Picture Frames: Water and oil gilding. Repair of structural damage. Repair of decorative elements including carving, gesso and composition. Cleaning of gilded surfaces.

  • Cabinet Making: historical replicas and bespoke woodwork

  • Metalwork repairs: Repairs to locks, keys, casters and other furniture metalwork. Working with specialist metal workers

  • Traditional upholstery repairs: recovering seating, broken webbing and steam cleaning. Working with specialist textile workers

  • Insurance work: Repair of damage due to relocations, fire, smoke and other causes

  • Site-work: restoration of historical interiors and furniture, condition assessments, preventive conservation

  • Consultation and documentation: Advising clients on restoration options and keeping detailed records

My values

Conservation

  • Preservation of Original Material: Retain as much original material as possible

  • Understanding Significance: Consider the object’s historical, aesthetic or communal significance

  • Reversibility: Ensure interventions are minimal and ideally reversible

  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of condition and treatment

  • Ethical Practices: Balance restoration with conservation, maintaining history and character

Sustainability:

  • sustainable sourced woods and materials

  • super insulated workshop

  • workshop heated and lit with 100 % renewable electricity

  • fully electric van charged with 100 % renewable electricity

  • Minimise the use of chemicals and dispose of them responsibly