At Richmond Hill Antiques, our passion for fine English furniture extends well beyond buying and selling. With nearly 40 years of experience as Richmond’s leading antique furniture specialists, we offer a comprehensive furniture restoration service that breathes new life into cherished and valuable pieces while preserving their authenticity, character, and value.
Whether you have inherited a Georgian mahogany chest of drawers, discovered a Victorian sideboard in need of attention, or own an Edwardian writing desk that has seen better days, our skilled restorers have the expertise to return it to its former glory.
Why Professional Antique Furniture Restoration Matters
Antique furniture is more than functional — it is a tangible connection to the past. Inappropriate repairs or heavy-handed refinishing can dramatically reduce a piece’s value and destroy the patina that collectors and buyers prize. Our restoration philosophy is guided by one principle: respect for the original.
We use traditional techniques and period-appropriate materials wherever possible, ensuring that every piece we restore retains its provenance and historical integrity. This approach is particularly important for furniture by renowned English cabinet makers such as Gillows, Edwards & Roberts, Shoolbred & Co., and Heal & Sons — makers whose work forms a significant part of our own inventory.
Our Furniture Restoration Services
We offer restoration and conservation services for a wide range of antique English furniture spanning the Georgian, Regency, William IV, Victorian, and Edwardian periods.
French Polishing & Surface Restoration
French polishing is the traditional finishing method for fine 18th and 19th-century furniture. Our restorers are skilled in stripping, preparing, and re-polishing surfaces by hand, recreating the warm, deep lustre that makes antique mahogany, rosewood, and walnut pieces so distinctive. We also undertake careful cleaning and waxing for pieces where a full re-polish is not required.
Structural Repairs & Joinery
Loose joints, broken legs, damaged drawers, and failing carcase construction are all common in furniture of significant age. We carry out sympathetic structural repairs using traditional joinery methods and hide glues, ensuring repairs are discreet, durable, and period-correct.
Veneer Repairs & Replacement
Lifting, blistering, or missing veneer are frequent problems with Georgian and Victorian case furniture. Our restorers source appropriate period timbers to match existing veneers as closely as possible, repairing or replacing damaged sections while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding surface.
Brass Hardware & Fittings
Original brass handles, escutcheons, and castors are important to a piece’s period authenticity. We clean and restore original brasswork where possible, and can source sympathetic period-style replacements when originals are beyond repair or missing.
Chair & Upholstery Restoration
From Regency dining chairs to Victorian button-back armchairs, we offer re-rushing, re-caning, and can advise on sympathetic upholstery choices that complement the age and style of each piece.
Cleaning & Conservation
Not every piece requires full restoration. For furniture that is structurally sound but simply dirty or dull, we offer professional cleaning and conservation treatments that stabilise the piece and enhance its appearance without removing historic surface character.
Serving London, Surrey & the South East
Our shop is located on Hill Rise in Richmond upon Thames — one of the most celebrated antique destinations in South West London. We regularly work with clients across Richmond, Twickenham, Kingston upon Thames, Wimbledon, Putney, and throughout Surrey, as well as accepting commissions from further afield across London and the South East.
If you are unsure whether your piece is suitable for restoration, we are always happy to offer an initial assessment and honest advice.
Get in Touch
To discuss your furniture restoration requirements, please visit us in our Richmond showroom, call us on +44 (0) 20 8940 5755, or use our contact form. We are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.