Business Details
Expert Furniture Restoration Services in Gloucester
Established by Martyn Francis Frederick Sharp, Francis Frederick has been delivering specialist furniture restoration services since 1976. Our expertise spans upholstery, leather restoration, and antique furniture repair, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Holding a City & Guilds qualification, we provide meticulous attention to detail for both contemporary and heritage pieces. Covering Gloucestershire and beyond, we offer free expert advice and competitive pricing with no VAT charged. Our 30+ years of experience ensure every project, from minor repairs to full restorations, meets exacting standards. We prioritise client satisfaction through transparent communication and quality outcomes.As a local, family-run business, we maintain strong community ties while serving clients nationwide. Our portfolio includes chair leg repairs, French polishing, veneer restoration, and complete sofa reupholstering. We pride ourselves on preserving furniture heritage while adapting to modern needs. Client testimonials and a comprehensive photo gallery demonstrate our commitment to excellence. By focusing on durability and aesthetic precision, we extend the lifespan of cherished items. Our services cater to both domestic and commercial clients, ensuring tailored solutions for every requirement.
Services
Upholstery Restoration
Antique Furniture Repair
Leather Recolouring
Chair Restoration
French Polishing
Veneer Restoration
Cane Seat Repairs
Furniture Polishing
Reupholstering Services
Wax Polishing
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialist furniture restoration experience
- City & Guilds qualified craftsman with traditional training
- No VAT charged on any restoration services
- Free expert advice and thorough consultation process
- Proven track record with client testimonials available
Associations and certifications
- City & Guilds
Services
Upholstery Restoration
Reviving worn furniture through comprehensive upholstery restoration. We replace damaged fabrics, repair sprung frames, and restore leather surfaces to original condition. Our process combines traditional techniques with modern materials to ensure durability while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Ideal for dining chairs, sofas, and antique pieces requiring specialist attention.
Antique Furniture Repair
Specialist conservation of historic wooden furniture. Using period-appropriate methods, we repair veneers, restore marquetry, and perform delicate French polishing. Our approach preserves original finishes while reinforcing structural integrity. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of traditional joinery and materials specific to different eras.
Leather Recolouring
Professional colour restoration for leather furniture. We address fading, stains, and surface damage using specialist dyes that match original finishes. The process includes surface preparation, colour application, and protective finishing to extend the lifespan of leather items while maintaining their natural character.
French Polishing
Traditional wood finishing technique applied to restore antique furniture. Our skilled application of shellac creates a deep, lustrous finish that enhances grain patterns. This meticulous process removes scratches and imperfections while preserving the piece's historical authenticity through non-invasive methods.
Veneer Restoration
Repair of damaged wood veneer surfaces using matching materials and precise techniques. We address lifting, cracking, and missing sections while maintaining continuity with original patterns. The process includes careful sanding, adhesive application, and finishing to achieve seamless results.
People
Martyn Francis Frederick Sharp
Founder & Lead Restorer
With a career spanning over 45 years, Martyn established Francis Frederick after completing a City & Guilds apprenticeship. His expertise combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, specialising in heritage furniture conservation while maintaining accessibility for contemporary repairs.
Questions
What furniture restoration services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive services including upholstery restoration, leather recolouring, veneer repair, French polishing, and complete antique furniture conservation. Our expertise covers both traditional and modern techniques.
How long have you been in business?
Our founder has over 45 years' experience in furniture restoration, establishing Francis Frederick after completing formal training in 1976. We've built a reputation for quality craftsmanship over decades of service.
Do you charge VAT on your services?
No, all our restoration services are provided with zero VAT charges, making professional furniture restoration more accessible while maintaining high-quality standards.
Can you restore both antique and modern furniture?
Yes, we specialise in both antique conservation using traditional methods and modern furniture repairs, adapting our approach to suit each piece's specific requirements and historical context.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Gloucester, we serve the entire Gloucestershire region and accept out-of-county commissions. Our experience extends to nationwide projects requiring specialist furniture restoration expertise.
