I undertake repairs to Windsor chairs and take care to return well-used pieces to sound working order. A thoughtful repair should respect both the structure and the history of the chair.

Before getting in touch, it may help to consider the following:

1. Value

Does the chair hold enough financial or sentimental value to justify repair? Proper restoration takes time, but when done well it can extend a chair’s life for many years.

2. Previous Repairs

Signs such as added nails or screws, visible PVA glue, or inserted plywood can indicate earlier poor repairs. These can make restoration more complex and time-consuming to resolve.

3. Shortened Legs

Chairs left on damp floors sometimes suffer rot or worm damage to the feet, leading to shortened legs. It is often possible to restore the height, though this requires careful work.

4. Repair or Replacement

If a seat is badly split or bent elements have failed, commissioning a new chair may be a practical option. This allows the original to retain its value while giving you a strong chair for everyday use.

5. Sanded or Dipped Chairs

Heavy sanding removes original surface character, and chemical dipping can loosen joints and crack seats. Chairs treated in this way cannot always be successfully restored.

6. Transport

Repairs are normally carried out at my workshop, and I do not usually offer collection or delivery for restoration work. Please consider how the chair might be transported before enquiring.

If, having considered the above, you would like to discuss a repair, I would be very pleased to hear from you.