Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Furniture Restoration & Bespoke Furniture in Reading
Established in 1989, Corwell specialises in furniture restoration and bespoke furniture creation. Founded by Simon Corbyn and Les Newell, who began their partnership after completing City and Guilds qualifications at The London College of Furniture, the business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. With over 35 years of experience in restoring antique and modern furniture, Corwell's team of trained cabinet makers prioritises preserving original finishes while addressing structural and aesthetic needs. The company serves domestic clients, interior designers, and corporate clients, offering made-to-order furniture tailored to individual specifications. Sustainability is central to operations, with reclaimed wood used for workshop heating and a commitment to sourcing British and European materials.Every project begins with a consultation, followed by detailed design work and careful construction using premium timbers like English oak and walnut. Corwell's expertise includes French polishing, veneering, and disaster restoration, ensuring furniture retains its historical value and functionality. The business maintains transparency throughout the restoration process, discussing proposed work with clients to balance preservation and practicality. Their reputation for excellence has been built through meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to extending the lifespan of cherished furniture pieces. Corwell remains a trusted choice for those seeking to preserve furniture heritage while adapting pieces for contemporary use.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
French Polishing
Disaster Restoration
Wood Repair
Veneering
Reupholstery
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialist furniture restoration experience
- Team of qualified cabinet makers with traditional training
- Sustainable practices with reclaimed materials usage
- Transparent consultation process for all restoration projects
- Combination of traditional techniques and modern finishing methods
What people say
Craftsmanship is flawless
Delighted with outcome
Beautifuly restored
Quality of workmanship
Worth every penny
Services
Furniture Restoration
Specialist restoration of antique and modern furniture using traditional techniques. Our craftsmen preserve original finishes while addressing structural issues through methods like veneering and French polishing. Each project maintains historical integrity while ensuring practical usability for contemporary settings.
Bespoke Furniture
Handcrafted custom furniture tailored to client specifications. We create unique pieces using premium timbers like English oak and walnut. Every commission involves detailed consultation, scaled drawings, and careful construction to match existing decor and spatial requirements while maintaining lasting quality.
Disaster Restoration
Specialised recovery of furniture damaged by floods, fires, or vandalism. Our team removes water marks, repairs structural damage, and restores finishes using both traditional and modern techniques. We ensure restored pieces retain their original character while meeting current usability standards.
French Polishing
Traditional wood finishing technique applied to restore furniture surfaces. Our experts use hand-applied shellac to enhance wood grain while preserving patina. This method maintains historical accuracy for antique pieces while providing durable protection for modern furniture.
Veneering
Precision replacement of damaged wood surfaces using matching veneers. We source materials from our extensive collection of antique timbers to ensure seamless repairs. This technique preserves original construction while restoring aesthetic value to period furniture pieces.
People
Simon Corbyn
Co-Founder
Co-founder with City and Guilds distinction in furniture making. Over 40 years' experience in cabinet making and antique restoration. Leads complex restoration projects and trains workshop staff in traditional techniques.
Les Newell
Co-Founder
Co-founder specialising in bespoke furniture design. Qualified craftsman with expertise in modern and traditional joinery techniques. Manages client consultations and oversees custom furniture production processes.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We restore all types of wooden furniture including antiques, modern pieces, dining tables, chairs, cabinets, and specialist items like marquetry chests.
Can you match existing furniture finishes?
Yes, our specialists use traditional French polishing and modern techniques to match original finishes while preserving historical patina where appropriate.
Do you create completely new bespoke pieces?
Yes, we design and craft custom furniture to client specifications using premium timbers, with full consultation from initial concept to final installation.
How do you handle antique furniture repairs?
We use traditional methods and materials while maintaining original character, only replacing components when necessary using period-appropriate materials from our stock.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Reading, we serve clients across Berkshire, the UK, and work with European suppliers for specialist materials and components.
Is furniture restoration environmentally sustainable?
Yes, we prioritise sustainability by restoring existing furniture rather than replacement, using reclaimed materials, and sourcing locally where possible.
