In-person course
in Ely, Maker & location details

Furniture Restoration - Project based - Cambs/Suffolk border.

Debbie restoring a Victorian nursing chair

Completing surface finish restoration.

Restoration course day - working on a badly weather damaged chair. Joint consolidation, surface treatments and many other skills.

Restoration course day - teaching how to deal with a chair that has frame/joint damage.

Restoration course day - learning to restore a table with a broken joint and then surface treatment.

Restoration course day - learning frame consolidation and working on a footstool with failed joints.

Woodworking hand-tool skills

Shirley restored the frames, traditionally upholstered seats and now fitting stud trim

Introduction to woodwork & restoration. Time to talk clamps and adhesives. Newmarket, Suffolk.

Learning to cut dovetail and then make a dovetailed box.

Student restoring an Oak side table

Shirley learning to cane a seat

A workbench with a view. Relaxing surroundings to work and learn.

A relaxing spot for lunch at the lake opposite the workshops.

Description

Join a two day 'project-based' furniture restoration course. This course allows you to bring a small project to work, like a chair, which is agreed in advance. The overnight period allows for glue and lacquer drying/curing, which is the challenge with one day courses. This course suits beginners and also more experienced attendees, although if a total beginner, you may find the Introductory Day (listed separately) a good start. You can learn a new skill, meet new people and relax by doing something different from your day job. We have facilities for all aspects of furniture restoration and decorative arts. This includes subjects like general restoration, cabinetmaking, upholstery, surface finishing, wood turning and marquetry, to name but a few. The course is run by a qualified tutor in a safe and friendly atmosphere. The workshop is well equipped and Bill aims to make the course days enjoyable and rewarding. He is fully qualified from City & Guilds through to Masters Degree and also fully accredited by BAFRA (British Antique Furniture Restorers Association). Bill also writes for woodwork magazine 'Quercus' and for 'Woodland Heritage'. Once you have booked, we will be in contact by email. We will exchange emails/photos of your proposed project. We will then agree that the project you wish to bring is appropriate for the two days. On the morning of day 1, we will discuss the approach to ethical restoration, how to plan what to do and in what order, common materials and tools. We will discuss how to assess your object. We also look at testing to identify surface finishes and what this then means to your plan. We will also discuss timber identification and some furniture history. However as we have two days you are then able to start working on your object, try various tools and methods, under the tuition of Bill. The attendees objects and questions will also shape the days and I keep it flexible that way. Everyone also learns from each others projects. The maximum number of students on any course is 4 as we want to ensure you get a good level of tuition and advice. We are also happy to provide 1 to 1 tuition so please contact us to discuss the options.

What's included in the price?

The daily fee stated includes most basic restoration materials and sundries, for example, glues, revivers and cleaners. However any more significant materials would need to be charged for and can be discussed in the workshop. We provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Tea and coffee are provided. Attendees should bring a packed lunch. There is a fridge and microwave available for use.

Duration

2 days

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

with Craft Courses since 2018

Message the tutor

I am a qualified & accredited cabinet maker and furniture restorer. I have a passion for traditional crafts and teach various aspects of making & restoring. I also write for woodwork magazine 'Quercus' and for 'Woodland Heritage'. I feel that our health & quality of life is enhanced by working practically, making and learning new skills. At a time in society, when consumerism has taken hold, we throw too many things away and do not appreciate materials or nature. We must make better and restore more. We need more relaxing workbench time and less screen time!