Restoration

Seeking advice from someone with years of experience who has closely studied antique furniture is the only sure way of safely buying in this field, but here are some handy tips on what to consider from furniture specialist Richard Coles, director of Godson & Coles in Fulham.

A challenging middle market and soaring property prices have driven most restorers out of central London but a workshop still remains hidden away in Mayfair

An unidentified but engaging portrait of a young boy that was bought by art dealer Rupert Maas at a regional auction last year has been restored and fully attributed to Harold Knight (1874-1961).

Forensic and scientific expertise recommended when it comes to condition reports and verification of attribution.

From falling off a wall to being damaged in transit, antique frames often need to be repaired.

A specialist in 18th century marquetry believes he has identified the craftsmen responsible for inlaid decoration on some of the finest English furniture.

Emmanuelle Sibley, a student at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation specialising in clocks and related objects, has been given the opportunity to conserve the Kings’ Clock in advance of the reopening of The Courtauld Gallery on November 19.

Described recently in a How To Spend It article in the Financial Times as a “part sleuth, part therapist and part miracle worker… a modern master of illumination”, Simon Gillespie runs a team of seven conservators, restorers and specialists in his studio above New Bond Street in central London.

Ceri House is an artist and restorer and currently works with Nick Shipton and the Brothership Studio team in Hertford.

Conservation and restoration firm Plowden & Smith is now run by managing director Camilla Hughes-Hunt with a team of 13 qualified full-time conservation specialists.

TV programmes have brought restoration and conservation into the public spotlight recently, but what is life really like for those working in the field at a time when training and jobs are under pressure?

West Dean College recently merged with KLC School of Design in London.

Lizzie Neville, head of school of conservation at West Dean College of Arts & Conservation, works with 15 full-time members of staff and more than 50 visiting lecturers

Priory Polishes sells restoration products to the antiques trade and was originally founded by Allan Worrell in Lancashire and later run by Paul Cartwright. Last year antiques and restoration firm Driscoll’s Antiques in Clitheroe, Lancashire, run by James Driscoll, took over the firm and Priory Polishes is now run by daughters Isabel (age 21) and Ruby (age 18).

MADAM – Can your readers identify the workshop responsible for this ‘Last Supper’ triptych of glazed tiles, set on a slate and mortar matrix?

Anthony Bridgman is head of restoration at Westland London where he has worked since the 1990s. Established by Geoff Westland in 1969, the firm deals in architectural and decorative antiques and has built one of the largest collections of antique chimney pieces in the world, with some 750 examples.