Specialising in Fine Wax Finishing
In Situ
Antony Johnson, Dorset, 17th December 2022
The Process
- 18th century techniques based on traditional English workmanship and cabinet making are the root, whilst combining the benefits of durable and ecological new materials.
- I offer an individually tailored service. I am prepared to come to you personally, with the least possible disruption to yourselves and feed your furniture, remove watermarks, surface scratches (ie: legs of chairs and dining room tables especially).
- Fix loose veneers, dried and loose joints, bring the furniture back to a good colour and Fine Wax Finish.
- Should your furniture need more extensive work, I am happy to take it to the workshop.
I am the third generation of antique dealers and furniture restorers from the firm of Jeremy Ltd, London, Est. 1946.
My skilled experience helps to conserve furniture, bringing out the natural beauty of the pieces, and prevents high restoration/ replacement costs; travelling to wherever my work takes me!
I am both passionate and highly knowledgeable about furniture, having grown up and worked in this business all my life. I specialise in the conservation, restoration, and maintenance of furniture and wooden surfaces, from rare and fine antiques to modern day, contemporary pieces. I use a combination of 18th century techniques based on traditional English workmanship and cabinet making, as well as working with new materials and finishes (e.g. for modern surfaces).
I, therefore, offer a personal service that is unique. I am prepared to come to you personally and work in situ, with the least possible disruption to yourself, and feed your furniture, remove watermarks, surface scratches (e.g. legs of chairs and dining room tables especially), fix loose veneers, and bring the furniture back to its former glory and a Fine Wax Polish. With 29 years’ experience dealing and working with antiques and collectors alike, I bring the most careful attention to detail and customers’ needs, as well as a keen eye for interior design which comes as second nature.
Private Houses Conservation, Restoration, and Maintenance Programs:
Luxury Country House Hotel Maintenance Programs:
Should you be interested in my services, may I respectfully suggest you drop me a line here. Equally, I am very happy to discuss your furniture maintenance requirements by phone.
Yours sincerely,
Nicholas Hill
+447852 567 139
nicholas@nicholashillantiques.co.uk
Customer Testimonials
"Nicholas Hill came and restored a badly damaged but modern wine table. He has done an excellent job (it looks like new), so much so, that I am going to have him back to restore some items of antique furniture."
Mrs J Drayton, London 16th June 2020
"Nicholas Hill has restored some of our beloved furniture to its former glory. We are delighted with the results. Thank you so much."
Mrs C Fiennes, Dorset 12th June 2020
"I answered Nicholas Hill’s post, as I needed an antique table restoring and polishing. He could not have done a better job - in situ as well. He is quick, tidy, charming and efficient and I could not recommend his services more highly."
Mrs Caroline Clegg, London 1st June 2022
"A much treasured table is now useable after Nicholas Hill's wonderful restoration. You can see he loves what he does and what a lovely chap to have around! I'd thoroughly recommend him."
Mrs K Robertson, London 6th July 2020
Hotel Endsleigh
Whilst restoring at Hotel Endsleigh a Grade I historic house I learnt to be as invisible as possible to be as little whilst their guest senjoy the 100 acres of fairytale woodland, follies and grottos created by Humphry Repton. It was the The Duke of Bedford's fishing lodge, he owned a third of Devon, and also chose this spot as his hunting lodge.
Rothes Glen House
Extensively refurbished to the highest specifications during 2020 and 2021, Rothes Glen is a luxury
exclusive use castle with accommodation for up to thirty guests. Our fully-staffed house can cater to
your every need from traditional Highland banquets to picnics by the lochan and bespoke activities
in the local area and we pride ourselves on never saying no.
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The Nare
Working for the Nare, an exclusive, privately owned 37 bedroom country house hotel, I fine tuned my techniques to make the most of the time available. It is one of the most comfortable hotels in Cornwall, with the highest standards of traditional hospitality and the personal touches that make for an exceedingly special stay all year round.
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Conserving and restoring a piece of furniture to its former glory, and regular maintenance, preserves its value and historical importance.
Small adjustments and minor repairs ensure that each piece works smoothly and correctly, and so avoids costly workshop bills down the line.
Tired and dull furniture brings no joy; conservation and maintenance ensures your treasured pieces constantly present in their most glorious state, raising your enjoyment and everyone’s appreciation of them on a daily basis.
Furniture design of the 17th and 18th century used high quality, hard tropical woods such as Cuban mahogany, satinwood, calamander and rosewood from India. Many of these precious woods are now rare and duly protected; all the more reason to give them the attention they deserve.
Nicholas Hill Restoration © 2023