Fine Antique Furniture Restoration & French Polishing
Over 35 years of traditional craftsmanship dedicated to preserving period furniture, cabinet repairs, veneer restoration, and authentic hand finishing.
Restoration Services
Sympathetic restoration techniques that protect both the historical integrity and value of your furniture.
Cabinet & Woodwork Repair
Expert structural repairs for broken joints, loose legs, splits, and missing moldings using period-correct timber and traditional hide glues.
Traditional French Polishing
Hand-applied shellac finishes build depth, warmth, and protection. From full repolishing to sympathetic heat or water mark repairs on existing patinas.
Veneer & Inlay Restoration
Precision grain-matching and replacement of lifted, chipped, or missing veneers, brass stringing, and delicate marquetry inlays.
Colour Matching & Patination
Careful staining and color balancing to seamlessly blend repairs into original surrounding timber without destroying decades of natural age.
Desk Leather Replacement
Removal and replacement of leather skiver tops, on desks, writing slopes or Bureaus.
All aspects of Restoration
Trusted restoration support for antique dealers, collectors, and private clients requiring expert craftmanship.
35 Years Dedicated to Fine Antiques
My journey in furniture restoration began in August 1988 with a traditional apprenticeship at Gallery Antiques in Winchester, alongside completing a five-year Furniturecraft qualification at Highbury College with Distinction.
Before launching my independent workshop, I had the privilege of serving as Head Restorer for J.W. Blanchard Antiques in Winchester for six years, working on some of the finest period furniture in the country.
Today, my work is strictly focused on preserving history—applying decades of specialized trade knowledge to ensure every piece leaves the workshop correctly restored for generations to come.
What the Trade Says
"The Family business, which has been in the antiques trade for over one hundred years, has employed restorers of the finest caliber. Neil Busby possesses a unique and rare skill. Having been in the antiques business for over seventy years myself, I have rarely worked with someone as talented and versatile. He is without a doubt one of the finest restorers working today."
"I've been in the Antiques business for over 30 years now and I know how important it is to have a good restorer behind you. Neil is one of the best I have worked with; he understands exactly how antique furniture should look, and possesses the talent to achieve it."
Have an Antique Piece Needing Attention?
Whether you need a minor polish touch-up, complete cabinet repair, or structural restoration, feel free to send photos or discuss your project.
Contact Neil Busby