restoration | conservation | bespoke
SERVICES
Antique Furniture Restoration and Object Conservation Services
Philip Burrows offers a comprehensive range of antique furniture restoration and conservation services, undertaken from his fully equipped workshop in St Saviour, Guernsey. Work is carried out using traditional tools and historically appropriate materials, informed by a deep understanding of the construction, use, and context of historic furniture and objects.
Restoration and conservation is undertaken across all periods and styles, from individual items to larger collections, with each piece treated according to its specific requirements. All work is guided by principles of minimal intervention, reversibility, material compatibility, and respect for historical integrity.
A complete and fully holistic service for furniture and wooden objects, including; structural and cosmetic repair, stabilisation of loose joints, re-adhesion of loose and lifting veneer, restoration of splits and breaks, production of missing elements including; carvings, mouldings and banding etc. and discreet reinforcement for longevity. All treatments use best-quality, reversible and period appropriate materials to preserve original character and value.
Antique Furniture Restoration
Treatment of damaged and deteriorated finishes, including sun fading, water damage, scratches, dents, and burn marks. Re-finishing with traditional materials such as shellac and wax to restore surface depth and achieve a range of historically appropriate finishes, with consideration for the original surface, finish matching, and reversibility where possible.
French Polishing & Wax Finishing
Repair and consolidation of gilt and decorated surfaces on furniture, frames, and other water- or oil-gilded objects. Includes replacement of missing elements, restoration of damaged carving and ornament, and reapplication of gold leaf using traditional techniques, with careful matching to existing tone and finish.
Gilding & Decorative Surfaces
Comprehensive assessments of individual objects or entire collections, documenting condition, previous interventions, and potential risks, in order to provide a clear reference point for future care and to inform decisions regarding treatment, insurance, loan, transport, or sale.
Condition Reporting
Restoration and recovering of traditionally upholstered furniture, combining period-appropriate materials with consideration for comfort, appearance, and longevity. Where possible, original frames, fillings, and upholstery layers are preserved. Includes replacement or repair of fabric, trimmings, and decorative elements, tailored to suit both historic and functional needs.
Upholstery & Recovering
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Ongoing care and preventive conservation for collections of furniture and decorative objects. Services include environmental advice, handling and display recommendations, storage solutions, and tailored maintenance plans. Designed to support long-term preservation and reduce the need for future intervention.
Collection Care
Structural and cosmetic restoration of metal elements, including furniture fittings and standalone objects. Treatments include cleaning, corrosion stabilization, toning, ageing, unlocking of seized locks, and production of replacement keys where lost. Functional repairs and sourcing of period hardware such as locks, keys, hinges, and handles, with attention to integration in mixed-material objects.
Metalwork
In addition to furniture-related work, Philip also undertakes repair and restoration of stringed instruments, focusing on structural integrity, tonal quality, and preservation of original materials. Treatments tailored to each instrument’s construction, age, and use, from minor adjustments to full restoration.