Restoration

A furniture restorer's work ranges from simple tasks such as re-gluing parts which have fallen off, to completely rebuilding a piece of furniture, including making missing components.

Tasks would typically include: deciding on the best way to conserve or restore the piece of furniture; agreeing with the client the work to be done; sourcing materials; keeping photographic and written records of projects; using techniques such as woodturning, veneering and marquetry (designs using small pieces of inlaid wood); mixing and applying colours and stains; gilding, polishing and upholstering; providing specialist information to colleagues and the public.

Restorers also need to keep up to date with developments in equipment and techniques. They may specialise in furniture of a particular type or period.

Self-employed restorers also have to market their work and deal with the administrative and financial tasks involved in running a business.

Furniture restorers can earn between £20,000 and £40,000 a year.

Earnings for self-employed furniture restorers vary depending on the amount of work they have.

As a starting point to learning furniture restoration techniques, you could complete college courses leading to qualifications such as City & Guilds Certificate in Making and Installing Furniture (5610) at levels 1 and 2.

However, many furniture restorers have a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HND. Relevant subjects include: furniture restoration; furniture studies; furniture design; 3-D design; art and design.

Entry requirements for courses vary, so you should check with individual colleges and universities. Courses also vary in the amount of practical work they include, so it is important to research the content of courses to check that they meet your needs.

Check the British Antique Furniture Restorers’ Association (BAFRA) and the Institute of Conservation (IOC) websites for lists of the courses each organisation recognises.