Richard Cook

Professional Description

W.J.Cook & Sons are a second generation family business specialising in the restoration of antique furniture.

Area of work

• Nationwide

Description

W.J. Cook & Sons Antique Restorations was established by Bill Cook in 1962 and his reputation for outstanding quality of work quickly spread. Since those early days clients have included our own Royal Household, Foreign Royalty, the Government, museums, leading collectors, dealers and private individuals.

Whilst still retaining a London workshop the business is now based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. With the cabinet making, machine and polishing shops, few other restorers are able to match our facilities. After training at the London College of Furniture, Bill Cook’s three sons are now actively involved in the day to day running of the business.

The services carried out are many and include cabinet making, gilding, carving, polishing, lock repairs, leathering and upholstery. Also undertaken is an on site waxing service in which restorers will visit your home and professionally wax all the furniture in your collection. Being a true family business means that every restoration commission undertaken is done so with great care as the name Cook has become associated with quality of worksmanship and courteous service. An extensive in-house library, over fifty years experience at the highest level and access to furniture archives ensure that any restoration carried out is true to every detail. Indeed, we have recently written what is considered to be the definitive book on the subject of antique furniture restoration. With over one thousand photographs it covers every aspect of the subject.

Virtually all of the restoration work is still carried out using eighteenth and nineteenth century tools, indeed even some of the machine tools on the premises are antique and our band saw was used in the construction of the panelling for the Queen Mary.

The importance of having furniture restoration carried our by competent, qualified craftsmen cannot be stressed enough, for once a piece has been badly restored and the surface and patination spoilt by over zealous cleaning, the damage cannot be rectified. It is for this reason that one should always seek a restorer who is a member of The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association (BAFRA). We are proud to be amongst their oldest members.

Services
Restoration:
All forms of restoration are undertaken. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, extensive timber breaker stores, antique tools and if required a large research library, all types of restoration from the minor repair to more major projects can be undertaken. This includes marquetry work from the seventeenth to twentieth century.

Polishing:
With an extensive, purpose built polishing shop all types and sizes of furniture can be attended to. With over forty years experience and full understanding of the importance of colour and patination our polishers are able to undertake all tasks from light cleaning, removing marks and stains to repolishing large dining tables or bookcases.

Upholstery:
Using only traditional methods and materials, W.J.Cook & Sons are able to upholster to the highest standard with special attention being paid to the correct line. We are also happy to advise on suitable fabrics to suit a particular period or style. We also undertake cane work.

Gilding:
Be it water or oil gilding, attending to localised areas of damage or completely regilding a piece we are happy to advise accordingly. We work closely with clients throughout to ensure that you obtain the finish that you require.

Cabinet making:
Whether copying a chair to add to a set or making a one off special commission we are able to work to the highest standards and where required, colour and polish to match any existing pieces.

Fire/Flood damage:
Fire, smoke and flood damage all present unique problems. With a wealth of experience in this field and a history of liaising with insurance companies we are well known in the field of disaster management. We have facilities to arrange collection, storage and climatic stabilisation (furniture that has suffered flood damage often needs to be dried out under controlled conditions to avoid shrinkage and warping).

Leathering:
From small inset leathers to full size desk tops, we are able to offer the client a wide choice of colours and tooling finishes. Only best quality hides are used and our services also include supplying and fitting leather upholstery to chair seats.

Transport:
Collections and deliveries are made by ourselves in our own vehicles which have been specially fitted out for the transport of antique furniture. On the rare occasion carriers are required we only use a company which specialises in the transport of fine art and antiques.

Estimates:
Before commencement of any work an estimate in writing is supplied. Visits are made to clients and often these can be early morning or evening to fit in with your schedule. We also offer an auction presale estimate service to allow you to know any possible restoration costs to considered lots prior to bidding. In this instance an agreed fee will be charged but this is often waived on successful purchase and acceptance of estimate. Collections direct from the salesroom or warehouse can also be arranged.

Metalwear:
We are able to replace missing mounts and galleries including matching or recasting handles using traditional lost wax or sand casting techniques. Locks can be serviced and missing keys cut.

Membership

Member of The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association (BAFRA).