Business Details
18 Years
experience
Expert Antique Restoration & French Polishing Services
Established in 2008, Neil Gardner Antique Restorer combines over 25 years of expertise in the antiques industry with traditional craftsmanship. Our founder, Neil Gardner, honed his skills over two decades at one of the UK's largest antique dealers, specialising in restoration and cabinet making. We serve private collectors, antique dealers, and churches, offering services ranging from minor repairs to full furniture restoration. Our commitment to traditional French polishing techniques ensures a deep, lustrous finish that preserves the natural beauty of wood. We prioritise client consultation to understand individual requirements, delivering high-standard results with meticulous attention to detail.Our portfolio includes period furniture, church panelling, and bespoke cabinetry, reflecting our versatility in handling both antique and modern pieces. With a strong reputation built on repeat business and recommendations, we maintain transparency in operations and focus on long-term client relationships. Our services extend to veneer repairs, woodturning, carving, and interior restoration, ensuring comprehensive solutions for diverse client needs. Based in York, we serve clients across the UK, combining local expertise with national reach. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction has solidified our position as a trusted name in antique restoration.
Services
French Polishing
Furniture Restoration
Cabinet Making
Veneer Repairs
Interior Woodwork
Bespoke Furniture
Woodturning
Carving
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialist antique restoration expertise.
- Our team uses traditional French polishing techniques for authentic finishes.
- We provide bespoke cabinet making services tailored to client specifications.
- Our portfolio includes church panelling, period furniture, and modern commissions.
- We prioritise clear communication and client consultation throughout projects.
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Knowledgeable team
Reliable service
Attention to detail
Professional approach
Services
French Polishing
Traditional hand-applied French polishing enhances wood grain with a deep, mirror-like finish. Using shellac-based polish, we restore antique furniture and interior woodwork to their original splendour. This technique allows easy repair of future marks while preserving historical authenticity.
Furniture Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of damaged or aged furniture, including structural repairs, veneer replacement, and finish renewal. We specialise in period pieces but also handle modern furniture requiring heritage techniques for lasting quality.
Cabinet Making
Bespoke cabinet making services create tailored storage solutions and furniture. We match materials and finishes to existing interiors, offering traditional joinery or contemporary designs with handcrafted precision.
Veneer Repairs
Specialist veneer repair techniques restore damaged wood surfaces to their original condition. We source matching materials and employ traditional methods to ensure seamless integration with existing finishes.
Interior Woodwork
Restoration of architectural wood elements including panelling, staircases, and fireplaces. Our expertise extends to church interiors and historic buildings, maintaining period accuracy while ensuring structural integrity.
People
Neil Gardner
Owner & Master Craftsman
With 25+ years in antique restoration, Neil established his business in 2008 after working at a major antique dealership. He specialises in traditional techniques and bespoke commissions.
Questions
What types of furniture can you restore?
We handle all antique and modern wooden furniture, including chairs, tables, cabinets, and period pieces requiring specialist care.
Do you work on listed buildings or churches?
Yes, we have extensive experience restoring woodwork in churches and historic properties, including panelling, altars, and fireplaces.
Can you match existing wood finishes?
Our traditional French polishing techniques allow precise colour matching to restore faded areas or complement existing furniture.
How long does a typical restoration take?
Project duration varies by complexity, but we provide clear timelines during consultation and keep clients updated throughout the process.
Do you offer on-site assessments?
We can arrange site visits for large projects like interior woodwork, with initial consultations often conducted via photos and descriptions.
