At Abbey Group, we’re passionate about bringing antique furniture back to its former glory, especially when it involves pieces with as much character and history as the half moon drop leaf table we recently restored for a client. This particular table, adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay, is a fine example of exquisite craftsmanship meeting timeless design.
Restoring Sentiment and Beauty
This stunning table held not only a great deal of sentimental value for our client but also bore the marks of time and exposure. Water damage had left unsightly marks on its woodwork, and the leg joints were compromised due to moisture ingress and glue failure. The challenge was not only to repair the damage but also to revive the table’s beauty without compromising its integrity.
The Restoration Process
The restoration began with a careful examination to assess the full extent of the damage. Our team meticulously stripped away the old finish, which had been marred by water and wear, to prepare the surface for sanding. Sanding down the wood helped to remove the water stains and smoothed out imperfections, providing a clean slate for the next steps.
Given the table’s delicate mother-of-pearl inlay, we employed precise techniques to ensure that each piece of inlay was preserved and cleaned without causing any damage. The inlays were gently cleaned to bring back their lustre, enhancing the table’s ornate appearance.
To address the weakened joints, our skilled craftsmen re-glued and clamped the joints to restore structural integrity. This step was crucial to ensure that the table would not only look good but would also be functional and sturdy for everyday use.
The final step in the restoration was applying a French polish. French polishing is a technique that involves applying several thin coats of shellac using a rubbing pad, resulting in a very high gloss finish that enriches the wood’s natural colour and grain. This method is renowned for bringing out the charm of the woodwork and the inlay, highlighting the intricate patterns and deep, warm tones of the table.
A Piece Reborn
The restoration of this half moon table was a journey of careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, resulting in a piece that not only regains its functionality but also its place as a conversation starter in our client’s home. The revived table now stands proudly, a testament to the skills of our restoration team and the enduring beauty of antique furniture.
At Abbey Group, we treasure the opportunity to restore and conserve the history embedded in pieces like this table. Each project is a new chapter in the life of a piece, filled with stories of the past and the promise of many more memories to come.
If you have a cherished piece of furniture that needs restoration, consider Abbey Group. Contact us at 01708 741135 or via email at info@abbey-group.net to discover how we can help you preserve your piece’s history and beauty.
