History

Nicholas’s journey began in a home filled with antiques and a family steeped in the trade.  Childhood weekends were spent exploring museums and country houses— and sometimes accompanying his grandfather, Geoffrey Hill, on buying trips outside London.

The family firm, established in 1946, became known internationally for its expertise in fine English, Russian, and Chinese furniture. Its clients included major museums such as the V&A, the Getty, and the Met in New York.

Nicholas’s professional path started in London, on the King’s Road, where he learned the craft from Jeremy’s restorers, Cyrille and Ken.

A turning point came early on: as he carefully dry stripped away old paint, as if by magic, he uncovered the original gilding on a William Kent console.  This poignant moment sparked his love for furniture restoration and changed his career path forever.

His Knowledge was further shaped by advice from Philip Barker, an exceptional restorer, whose emphasis on 18th century cabinetry, fine wax finishing and conservation left a lasting impression.

Nicholas may have 30 years of honing and perfecting his restoration skills, but he still approaches each and every commission with the same sense of joy and enthusiasm he first felt when he stripped back that faded paint to reveal the gold that lay beneath; waiting to be restored to its original glory.