Transform Your Skills: Learn Furniture Restoration with Anthony. The Reading List

Recommended Reading

Furniture Repairs Charles Hayward

Charles Hayward was a prolific author who covered all aspects of cabinet making, joinery and furniture. He was the editor of the Woodworker throughout the war years and its survival was due to his ability to keep relevant to the situation of having to meet the requirements of rationing and providing projects to the readership. If you find a book with his name on it I recommend that you purchase it as will contain a great deal of wisdom and knowledge which you will finds of value. 

 Antique or Fake? Charles Hayward ISBN 0 7135 2356 5

Although this book is out of print it is available online, every furniture restorer with his or her salt should read it you will certainly be wiser on how to spot bad marriages and the pieces which were produced to deceive. It goes into detail how furniture was made in the past and serves as an up-to-date instruction manual when it comes to dismantling and restoring antique furniture. 

English Period Furniture Charles Hayward ISBN 0 7135 2357 3

There are many books written on the subject of the history of furniture, some of them specialising on a particular designer or period; and they are all worth reading. However, I have chosen this book for my list of recommendations as it is an informative read that is to digest. 

Furniture making Ernest Joyce ISBN 0 71344407 X

This book is the bible for furniture makers and every workshop should have a copy. It is the where to go to book if you are unsure or have a problem with a project. It covers in technical detail everything from wood species to polished finishes. New editions are produced to keep up with technology and changes in the trade. The very talented Alan Peters OBE revised the 4th Edition in 1987 which is the latest copy which I have in my workshop. This edition was updated to include CNC machines and power tools, if you find an earlier edition I would recommend you buy it as it has the content relevant to the furniture restoration trade.  The sections of the 4th Edition on power tools and new technology looks a bit dated now so you are not missing much by previous editions. 

Cabinetmaking the Professional Approach Alan Peters OBE   ISBN 0 85442 024 X

If you are planning to enter the restoration trade by setting up a small business then this is the book for you. It gives advice on everything from setting up a workshop to marketing. He also covers the essential advice on how to write a business plan and is happy to dissuade a person from going self-employed by pointing out all the struggles and pitfalls they may encounter. 

The Workshop Jim Kingshott ISBN 0 946819 42 4

I would urge you to read anything that Jim Kingshott had wrote, not only had he published a number of books but he frequently wrote for a selection of woodworking magazines. In this book he covers every aspect of the workshop from building it through to equipping it with all other subjects such as keeping the workshop warm and installing the lighting and electrical power. It is well illustrated with drawing, colour and Black & White photos. 

The Repair and Restoration of Furniture John Rodd 

This is quite an old book first published in 1954 but copies are still available online. This book is favourite of mine as it is so informative as it has been written by a well experienced craftsman who covers every aspect of the furniture restorer’s trade. 

 The Village Carpenter Walter Rose ISBN 0 85442 065 7

This is a book I would take to a desert island 

This is a book I would take with me to a desert island. It covers the comings and goings of a family business which undertakes all manner of joinery work including burying the dead. Walter Rose talks of his father running the business in the reign of Queen Victoria through to his time with the company in the inter war years. Based in the Buckingham village of Haddenham the business was started by an ancestor in the 16th Century in the same building that the author worked in. It is charming little book and much can be gleaned about the working practices of past workers in wood.

  The Carpenter and His Cat, we offer comprehensive furniture restoration courses led by our founder, Anthony. With decades of experience in the furniture trade, Anthony is dedicated to sharing his wealth of knowledge and skills with aspiring furniture restorers like yourself. Our course covers a wide range of skills and techniques essential for anyone looking to excel in the art of furniture restoration. From repairing broken legs to refinishing surfaces, you will learn everything you need to know to become a competent furniture restorer. What sets our courses apart is our commitment to providing a holistic learning experience. We believe in the importance of hands-on training, which is why our students have the opportunity to work on real-life projects under Anthony's guidance. This practical experience allows our students to hone their skills and gain the confidence they need to tackle any restoration project. But don't just take our word for it - hear what our students have to say! Our website features testimonials from past students who have successfully completed our course and gone on to pursue fulfilling careers in furniture restoration. At The Carpenter and His Cat, we are always open to feedback and suggestions for improvement. We strive to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment where our students can thrive and grow as furniture restorers. So, if you're ready to transform your skills and embark on a rewarding journey in furniture restoration, look no further than The Carpenter and His Cat. Join us today and start your path to becoming a master furniture restorer!