Green Restoration Blog

We are an extremely knowledgeable group of restorers and valuers of antiques and fine art, specializing in the restoration of fine antique clocks and fine furniture.

Antique Furniture is now being valued cheaper than IKEA

When I began restoring antiques many years ago, society remained aware of the importance and relevance of the trade. It was due to this awareness, that antiques were valued on their historical importance, the materials used in their construction, and the skill undertaken in their making. As little as twenty years ago, antique furniture was still being passed down from generation to generation. Those lucky enough to inherit such items took great joy in knowing that their ancestors had once...

Television Opportunity

A television opportunity from a different perspective. The restoration work that we undertake here at Green & Cockburn is broad and varied. One consistent thread that we have noticed over the years is the many objects passing through our workshops with intriguing tales to tell. Here is one fascinating story involving a long-case clock, which may have connections to Thomas Gainsborough. BACK FROM THE PAST – A proposed Television Series By David Alderton

Restoration of Severely Damaged Long Case Clocks

As restorers, we are used to seeing fine antiques looking a little worse for wear. Most of the items that come through our doors need a wide range of repairs to bring them back to their former glory. Common problems include loose joints, broken veneer sections, missing veneer inlay and so on. Of course, such wear and tear is to be expected on items that have been around for several hundred years. But occasionally we are asked to work on a piece that is truly in a sorry state.

Restoration of A Dutch Marquetry Long Case Clock

Despite working on a wide range of pieces including paintings, sculpture, fine antique furniture, and smaller timepieces. Long-case clocks make up the majority of our work. We work on upwards of 30 clocks annually, and the vast majority of these are either solid oak, mahogany or veneered versions. Occasionally we will see a case with a few sections of decorative inlay, or marquetry.

Insurance Claims And How To Proceed

During this time of national flooding, the possibility of not being able to insure your property is a terrifying prospect. Knowing how to proceed with a claim for your antique furniture, clocks and fine art, is more important now than ever before.

Malcolm Green Valuer of Antiques for TV

We are proud to announce that Malcolm Green will be taking part in a new TV programme! The programme covers the restoration of antiques in Britain, and some of the astonishing secrets these pieces contain. Malcolm will be bringing educational value to the show. As well as providing a different perspective of the trade than has ever been seen before. As a restorer, Malcolm is able to really get to the heart of the story.

We are restorers and valuers of antique Long Case Clocks

People sometimes ask us how is it that we are able to value and restore antiques and have the skills necessary to undertake restoration of many very valuable items but also to be able to value them. Well the answer to that is very simple, when you take clocks apart for antique long case clock restoration or an antique chair or item of furniture needs a new leg or a new back, one is aware of the timber used in the original construction also one is aware of the original manufacturers

Antique clock movement Restoration and Repairs

This blog is to try and help people who phone us regarding their clock movement or case restoration repairs. Firstly the clock in question has to have a value that is relevant to the cost of restoration. That means there needs to be mileage in the clock in terms of money that can be spent on the restoration work needed. Therefore a 1920s hat clock which has no value attached to it whatsoever is not worth restoring neither of course is a modern made German clock.

Valuation for probate and insurance? How to proceed.

This blog is because I have been asked why our knowledge as valuers can be more comprehensive than some of the other websites offering valuation services. We have a good liaison with most auction houses, we are used as professional valuers by the BBC, and if we find something of great value we can point you in the right direction for you to sell your item, for instance it may best to sell your furniture in Sotheby's auction and to sell

Antique programmes on television

This blog is about antique orientated programmes on television. People from the BBC or people who have been commissioned by the BBC and ITV phone us and say we are looking for an expert for a TV programme, fair enough. The first question they ask is are you available to go on a program which may be on BBC or ITV or even sky, I generally reply with what sort of program is it, I'm told very often it's a high-quality programme concerning antiques valuation or restoration.

Valuation quandary

We are often phoned by people who have items to be valued which is fair enough as we are restorers and valuers of antiques and fine art. Very often people will say, we have some antique items to value and we are not sure what is there, which again of course is fair enough as you cannot expect the average person to be able to value antiques correctly in any sense. The third thing they say very often which is the item of this discussion, is we have got rid of most of the rubbish

Fire damaged clock

I was contacted by client who said they had had a fire and their clock was damaged. This clock was burnt and soaked by fireman, when they put the fire out the clock was then left for a period of time. When we received the clock it was rusted and covered in verdigris this clock was then left for a period of time for the client and the insurance company to decide on the action. It was decided after about a year that this clock should be restored.

Investment Blog - Is it worth investing in antiques?

In these days of apparent hardship, countries not being able to pay their way, those that are lucky enough to have savings wondering whether they might lose all they have. This seems to be the general state of the news, one thing i have to say though is that good antique restorers have never been busier as those that are in the know are investing in good quality antique furniture. Antiques have never been so cheap as lots of people are selling their items simply to live.

Early Victorian loo table

This early Victorian loo table made from burr walnut has bubbling veneer and a large split which goes right through from one side to the other. Firstly the area is steamed profusely to remove the veneer then the crack is opened and glue poured in and clamped. A butterfly made from timber of the same gender as the base wood, is inserted across the crack on both sides, the veneer is then re-layed.

Looking for antique clock repair or furniture restoration in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Suffolk? Need help or advice on antique restoration problems? Contact Green & Cockburn on …
Tel: 01462 790646 or Email: enquiries@greenrestoration.co.uk