Category Archives: Furniture Restoration

William Kent Chair Conservation

Posted on 5th October 2017 by Jack Plane

The Wallace Collection recently completed conservation of an eighteenth-century English chair, which has not been able to be on display for some time because of its condition. The chair is believed to be part of a set, designed by William … Continue reading →

Posted in Antiques, Furniture Restoration | Tagged | 5 Comments

On the Dismantling and Reassembly of Glued Joints

Posted on 14th November 2016 by Jack Plane

Having emailed a reply to a plea from a desperate reader at the weekend, I thought I might as well publish it here for the potential benefit of others. Animal glue is mildly hydrophilic which alone, enables it to maintain … Continue reading →

Posted in animal glue, Furniture Restoration, Techniques | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

“Something for the Weekend Sir?”

Posted on 1st October 2016 by Jack Plane

“Yes, I’ll take one of your chairs, thanks!” Anyone who has restored antique furniture will likely have worn out one or two pairs of shoes walking round various chairs, tables and chests, dabbing a spot of polish here and another … Continue reading →

Posted in Distractions, Furniture Making, Furniture Restoration, workshop | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Antiques Restorers

Posted on 17th February 2014 by Jack Plane

Amongst the emails I receive from readers, one of the most frequent requests is to recommend an antique furniture restorer. I know a number of quality restorers whom I am happy to recommend, but I always advise interstate or international … Continue reading →

Posted in Antiques, Furniture Restoration | Tagged , | 18 Comments

Increased Transparency at Knole

Posted on 14th July 2011 by Jack Plane

Further to Furniture Doctors now using X-radiography, Emile de Bruijn has posted additional fascinating X-ray images of furniture and a painting at Knole. X-ray of a seat showing construction and upholstery. (National Trust/3DX-Ray)

Posted in Furniture Restoration | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Furniture Doctors now using X-radiography

Posted on 24th June 2011 by Jack Plane

A conservation team at Knole are employing X-radiography as a non-invasive means to assess the interior condition of furniture and artefacts. Read more. X-ray of a settee showing construction and upholstery. (National Trust/3DX-Ray)

Posted in Furniture Restoration | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

Posted on 1st October 2009 by Jack Plane

or… The Restoration of a Mulberry Chest of Drawers A dealer brought in a rare circa 1730 George I cross-banded mulberry chest of drawers, attributed to the celebrated partnership of Coxed and Woster¹. This type of furniture may seem garish … Continue reading →

Posted in Furniture Restoration | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Restoration of a Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Posted on 16th September 2009 by Jack Plane

I don’t know the full circumstances behind this sorry chest of drawers other than it came in with both top drawers removed. The two drawers were so twisted they wouldn’t fit into their respective apertures in the chest – and … Continue reading →

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Restoration of a Mahogany Dining Table Leg

Posted on 16th September 2009 by Jack Plane

The toe of one of the splayed legs on this dining table pedestal had been broken off on at least two previous occasions and the successive repairs including screwing and later gluing with PVA necessitated a more permanent repair. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Furniture Restoration | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Restoration of Tracery Bookcase Doors

Posted on 16th September 2009 by Jack Plane

Apparently while the owners of this circa 1775 mahogany bookcase were moving house, the removers had both doors wide open while they unloaded the books into packing boxes. When the bookcase was almost empty of books the weight of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Furniture Restoration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments