Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Furniture Restoration in Bath
Established in 1997, our business represents over 25 years of dedicated expertise in furniture restoration. Founded by Celia Frachon following her formal training at cole Boulle in Paris, we combine traditional French techniques with bespoke methodologies developed through extensive professional experience. Our work spans private collections, museums, churches, and National Trust properties, demonstrating both technical mastery and deep respect for historical integrity. Specialising in French polishing, veneer repair, and marquetry, we utilise authentic materials imported from France alongside proprietary wax formulations. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by meticulous attention to detail in addressing sun bleaching, water damage, and structural repairs.Client relationships form the foundation of our practice, with particular emphasis on understanding individual needs and preserving cherished possessions. The workshop's location in Bath enables service across Somerset and Wiltshire, including Bath, Frome, and Bradford-on-Avon. Professional written reports for insurance purposes and on-site work for large items demonstrate comprehensive service provision. This combination of formal training, technical expertise, and client-focused approach has sustained our reputation for excellence across three decades.
Services
Furniture Restoration
French Polishing
Veneer Repair
Leather Service
Marquetry
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Trained at Paris' renowned cole Boulle since 1997
- Specialist in traditional French polishing techniques
- Developed proprietary organic wax formulation
- Experienced with National Trust and museum projects
- Personalised service for private collectors
What people say
Attention to detail
Real love for work
Enhanced appearance
Great ability
Warm finish
Services
Furniture Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique, period and modern furniture damaged by water, fire or age. Our Bath workshop handles structural repairs, veneer restoration and finish renewal. Using traditional French techniques, we revive sun-bleached surfaces and repair broken components while maintaining historical integrity. Clients receive detailed assessments and tailored solutions for their cherished pieces.
French Polishing
Traditional French polishing technique using shellac-based finishes imported from France. This method enhances wood grain while providing durable protection. Our proprietary wax formulation, blended with organic beeswax, creates warm, natural finishes that improve with age. The process preserves original patinas while restoring furniture to its former glory.
Veneer Repair
Expert repair of damaged veneer surfaces using matching materials and traditional marquetry techniques. We restore missing sections, reattach lifting veneers and replace worn areas with precision. The process maintains original design elements while strengthening structural integrity. Clients benefit from seamless repairs that preserve their furniture's aesthetic and historical value.
Leather Service
Premium leather restoration for writing desks and bureaus using high-quality materials. Our gold tooling patterns add decorative elements to writing surfaces. The service includes replacement of worn leather surfaces and restoration of antique features. Clients receive durable, elegant finishes that complement restored furniture while maintaining historical accuracy.
Marquetry
Specialist marquetry using veneer, brass, ivory and tortoiseshell to restore decorative elements. This intricate technique recreates missing patterns and repairs damaged inlays. We match original materials where possible, using traditional methods to maintain authenticity. The service preserves historical accuracy while enhancing visual appeal through detailed craftsmanship.
People
Celia Frachon
Owner/Furniture Restorer
Trained at cole Boulle in Paris since 1997, Celia combines traditional French techniques with bespoke methods. With over 25 years' experience, she has worked for museums, National Trust properties and private collectors. Her expertise spans veneer repair, marquetry and specialist finishes.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We specialise in antique, period and modern furniture restoration, including tables, chairs, bureaus and chests of drawers. Our expertise covers water-damaged pieces, sun-bleached surfaces and structural repairs using traditional French techniques.
Do you work with insurance companies?
Yes, we provide professional written reports for insurance claims and handle flood, fire and accident-damaged furniture. While we offer free estimates for private clients, insurance-related collection and delivery may incur charges.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Bath, we serve Somerset and Wiltshire including Frome, Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham and Bruton. Our workshop accommodates large items and on-site work for staircases or immovable furniture.
How do your finishes differ from standard treatments?
We use traditional French polishing methods with imported materials and a proprietary wax formula containing organic beeswax. This creates warm, protective finishes that enhance wood appearance while avoiding modern chemical treatments.
Can you restore decorative elements?
Yes, our marquetry service repairs inlay work using veneer, brass, ivory and tortoiseshell. We recreate missing patterns and restore decorative surfaces while maintaining historical accuracy through traditional techniques.
