The Old Polishing Shop reviews

23 Apr 24'

Margaret Bullock reviewed: Half day French polishing Workshop

"A really enjoyable and hugely informative experience of taking my first steps into the art of French Polishing. Robert is a master practitioner and clearly an expert in his field, yet he is able to communicate his years of knowledge and skill in a way that is easy to follow and understand for a beginner through a perfect combination of explanation, instruction and practice. With Robert’s guidance and tuition, I helped a much neglected table return to life, with its history intact and celebrated. I was so pleased with the result, I am buying the table for my home. An excellent course. Thank you. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Hi Margaret, so glad you had a fantastic experience, and you picked it up so easily. Your results speak for themself. I've put the table aside for you. Speak soon, many thanks again, Rob."

20 Mar 24'

Ian Stewart. reviewed: Half day French polishing Workshop

"Excellent one to one days course spent with Rob at his old polishing shop. Very hands on and he was great company. He dispelled many of the myths surrounding french polishing and I went away with a real enthusiasm to put the skills he taught me into practice."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Ian, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you and learn about bee keeping also, thanks so much for the honey, all the very best, speak soon Rob "

28 Nov 23'

Rob Gibson reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Brilliant Day"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks again, and great to meet you . Many thanks Rob "

23 Nov 23'

Rob reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"If you were ever thinking of doing a one day French polish course? Go and seek out Rob in grassinton on the main street, He's a top guy and nothing is too much trouble, The day was Great and I learnt everything I needed. He's got a great sense of humour and funny, BUT ? Not as funny has me. 5***** service."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Great day , glad you got everything you needed , skills to last you a lifetime down the road.. thanks for a great day and laughs . All the best , Many thanks Rob"

14 Nov 23'

Shell Traviss reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Bought as a gift, this course was excellent. Husband really enjoyed it. Rob was really helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Was a pleasure to meet you both , and very much looking forward to another one in the new year , all the very best , speak soon Rob ✨👍"

7 Jun 23'

Allison Moore reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"I was lucky enough to attend this course as a birthday gift. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was an absolute privilege to learn from someone with so much expertise, skill and passion. Rob was so patient and explained everything in a way that even an absolute beginner, like me, can understand. His passion for his work is truly infectious and I have caught the bug! Can't wait to start putting my new skills into action. Thank you for an amazing experience, Rob!"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Hi Alison , thanks so much for all your efforts on the day , your results were amazing , and you were a pleasure to work with . I'm so glad you've taken so much from this day , and I'm here if you need me going forward, thanks again and speak soon Rob"

18 May 23'

Alison Howard reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"It was wonderful to be taught by Rob who is so knowledgeable and patient, the love for his work shines through everything he shares with you. He is a most engaging, interesting and interested person I am very happy to have had this experience."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Alison , for your amazing review, and your amazing results in one day .feel free to keep in touch and when you need help be sure to send me a pic of any problems you may looking for help with. Fab chats and great to spend the day with you . Many thanks again Best Rob "

6 May 23'

Ian Eyre reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"A really enjoyable experience. All the methods explained clearly with a great element of fun included. Rob was a great teacher and companion for the day. Ian"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Ian , and thanks for the great conversations we had. Here if you need me for anything at all, so glad you picked it up so well. Your achievements were remarkable for one day., Speak soon and all the very best Rob "

7 Feb 23'

Simon reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Great fun, really nice friendly guy. Very informative and managed to achieve a good finish."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Great to meet you Simon , I'm glad you had a fab session you picked it up so well. Here if you need me , all the very best Rob "

6 Feb 23'

Mark Hambley reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"A fabulous beginners course which is a hands on experience in Rob’s shop. Rob has a brilliant and fun way of explaining and allowing you to have a go at each process of French polishing. I highly recommend you give it a try and the homemade lemon drizzle cake was fab."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks so much for coming, and I'm glad you both got so much out of it. Good luck restoring all your fab pieces in France, here if you need me, Rob. "

23 Jan 23'

Howard Woods reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"If you fancy a new hobby that doesn't cost the earth (I have since bought everything I need to get started for under £70) then this is the course for you. Rob is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher and encourages a hands-on approach. You 'do' all the processes. He is also very interesting to talk to about 'the craft'. I had a wonderful time learning how to turn some pretty awful looking wooden table tops into things of beauty with a mirror-like finish. Only one warning - you'll be drawing horizontal figures of 8 in your sleep afterwards You'll have to go on the course to find out what I mean. Rob also supplies a very good cup of coffee."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Haa, thanks for this great response to the workshop, and yes if your dreaming of 8's then your mind is definitely programming your for a good polishing session , keep in touch should you need any help Howard , never far, all the very best Rob ."

21 Jan 23'

Colin Smith reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Excellent day course on French polishing made fun and enjoyable by Rob and his excellent sense of humour. Rob also shared many tips and trade secrets and was generous with his encouragement, energy and positivity. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Hi Colin, was an absolute pleasure to spend the time with you , and thanks so much for these encouraging words, and for picking up the skills with ease , all the very best Rob "

16 Jan 23'

Alison Hampson reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Excellent informative and instructive hands on course- Rob is great at explaining and demonstrating techniques. He gives you confidence to continue on your own but is also happy to answer any questions. He is enthusiastic and instils that in the participants- so much so I’ve rushed out to buy the necessary stuff and have a project lined up! It was the best 4 hours I’ve spent on a mindful activity and the ambiance of the studio set at the back of his shop, the herbal tea and if you are lucky sticky gingerbread all helped to make it a thoroughly enriching experience! Thanks Rob"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Alison , it was so great to spend the day with you , and I'm absolutely sure you will be ready to some great restoration jobs,seeing how you soaked up the experience and produced cracking results , here if you need me for any advise , all the very best for this year , speak soon Rob "

9 Dec 22'

Kaye King reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Really enjoyed the 4hr crash course in French polishing with Rob, he was very professional and made me feel at ease with the friendly way he teaches. I’m now looking for my 1st Piece of furniture to practice the knowledge gained. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Had a great time Kaye, thanks for picking it up with such a natural ease, your work was really impressive , and IV no doubt you will be able tackle your next piece with skill. Also IV got the vids I can send you if you drop me a phone message or email ,all the best Rob "

9 Nov 22'

Stephen reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Two of us did the English Polisher course at the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rob was very patient and taught us a great deal. We couldn't believe that we'd both created a glass-like polished surface on the old table tops we'd been working on during the day. Highly rewarding and thank you, Rob!"

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Absolutely a great pleasure , and it's fantastic to see you achieve this within the time frame , as well as removing scratch marks and making a fad , great afternoon, speak soon Rob "

6 Nov 22'

David Dawson reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Excellent course. Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. Rob is a very good communicator and was easy to work with. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks David , had a good day also , and was great to see someone get to grips with it all,so fast , speak soon Rob "

6 Nov 22'

Chris Burt reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"I spent a fascinating few hours on a crash course in French polishing. It has opened a new world in furniture restoration. "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Chris , really enjoyed your company , keep in touch , all the best Rob"

30 Oct 22'

Neale Baines reviewed: French Polishing workshop with Rob Cain

"Simply brilliant I really enjoyed myself Rob was very friendly and helpful "

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks Neale , it was a pleasure and you picked up these new skills with ease .. speak soon Rob "