Above, a slightly out of date photo as I now work in a larger workshop, although sadly no less cluttered. All work is carried out by myself in the workshop, having facilities and materials for virtually all aspects of restoration work, including cabinet making, polishing,  and upholstery along with tools and materials for the less common skills such as gilding, casting, carving, turning, metal working, clock repair, glass cutting etc.   The workshop is secure, alarmed and all items are insured whilst in my care.

Although restoration work is fairly diverse, there is rarely a day when some of these typical well known tools are not used.

A good solid workbench with a pattern makers vice, and very sharp tools being required for any 'cabinet-work', joinery etc.

Good quality old steel holds its edge and somehow has a nicer feel more befitting working on Antiques, although I equally have a pile of plastic handled modern rubbish for rougher working and where theres risks of hitting hidden nails.

A smoothing, a couple of jacks, a block, a low angled block, a rebate, a shoulder, and a bullnose. Its quite plane what I'm referring to!.

A selection of some of the materials used; polishing materials including various shellac polishes, oils, waxes,  pigments and stains, upholstery materials including fibres, twines, webbing, hessian, tacks and trimings.

A stock of old timbers and correct matching timbers is essential for good restoration work. Much old timber is obtained from 'breakers'; items of period furniture beyond repair which can be a valuable source of timbers with 'ready made patina'.

A good selection of knife and saw cut veneers is equally important.