Our Process
INITIAL ENQUIRY
You can contact Robert Pye by phone or email. You can either come to us at the workshop or we can come to you (see Ts&Cs for more information). You can outline the work you required to be done and we can then advise you what we feel initially will be required. Obviously furniture restoration is not always an exact science and issues with a particular item may not be uncovered until further into the project. At this point of the process, we will give you an estimate of the cost and timeframe.
BOOKING IT IN
If you wish our professionals at Pye Antique Restoration to repair, restore, preserve and conserve your antique or fine period furniture, we will again agree the initial schedule of works, book your piece into our workshop and allocate you with your job number. You can track it’s progress by either phone or email. Of course you can always come and visit us at the workshop by arrangement as well. You piece will be photographed at the beginning and the end of the project. Should the need arise further photographs will be taken throughout.
WORK COMMENCES
Any antique can sometimes hide many more issues than an initial inspection might reveal, normally due to indifferent repairs. As we undertake more exploratory work, hidden issues can and do come to light. Should issues arise we will then consult you on how you wish proceed. Woodworm and decaying wood could be invisible from the surface, but could have a major effect of the integrity of your piece. Some treatments could be required multiple times to fully preserve your furniture. Should more complex work be required, a revised estimate will then be given.
THE RESTORATION
Our expertise at Robert Pye Restoration includes the treatment of woodworm, structural consolidation and wood turning, carving and making mouldings, Dutch Marquetry, French Polishing and wax finishing, scratch stock cutting techniques, Japanning, veneer work and gilding. We also have a good working knowledge of metalwork, leatherwork and upholstery. Whatever technique you require, your piece will be sympathetically restored using traditional techniques incorporating contemporary timber with suitable old surfaces where possible and if required, original period veneers.