Bathwood Revival Workshop began as a modest side room with two benches, a set of chisels, and a wish to give older furniture a steady second life. Based on Broad Street in Bath, our small team now works with private homes, collectors, and local shops, restoring chairs, tables, and cabinets that still have more years in them. We avoid the noisy showmanship often attached to restoration. Instead, we focus on process, patience, and clear conversation about what is possible.
The idea grew from the belief that furniture carries stories, not just surfaces. A family table marked by time, a bentwood chair from a market, a writing desk with loose veneer — each tells of years lived. We never attempt to erase that history. The craft here is about stabilising, strengthening, and revealing what remains sound beneath the wear. That often means removing layers of polish, adjusting joints by fractions of a millimetre, and accepting that certain marks belong to the piece’s memory.
Our workshop occupies a nineteenth-century building, once a tailor’s storeroom. The space keeps its tall sash windows and uneven floorboards. Light from the street mixes with the scent of oil, wax, and mild detergents. On most days, you’ll hear hand planes instead of machines. Each project moves through small, planned steps: assessment, cleaning, repair, refinishing, and care notes. The pace is guided by the wood’s own condition, never by rush orders.
We welcome clients who appreciate realism. Not every item should be restored, and we say so when that’s the case. If the cost outweighs the value, or if modern replacements would work better, we explain that directly. Our purpose is not to transform every object but to make informed decisions with those who own them. Sometimes a gentle wax polish and a tightened joint are enough; other times, a full re-caning or refinish makes sense. The result should always feel natural and proportionate.
Bath is full of quiet craft. Stonemasons, paper restorers, upholsterers, and instrument makers all share the same respect for material and patience. We see ourselves within that rhythm. Our workshop remains deliberately small to allow conversation and focus. Visitors are welcome by appointment; you can see ongoing work and discuss your project while it’s on the bench. We find that openness encourages better understanding of what “restoration” truly means.
Beyond individual jobs, we maintain notes on materials, finishes, and adhesives. These become a shared reference for others in Bath who practice similar trades. We sometimes host short evening sessions about basic care — how to clean, handle, and store wooden furniture safely. They are informal and practical, aimed at anyone who prefers to keep rather than replace.
Every repair teaches us something small about design and endurance. From Georgian walnut to mid-century oak, we see how makers balanced form and durability. Each piece has taught us to listen first, then act carefully. That approach shapes everything Bathwood Revival Workshop stands for: thoughtful craft, realistic communication, and appreciation of imperfection. The satisfaction lies not in perfection but in respect — for both the object and its owner.
We continue to evolve quietly. New finishes, gentler solvents, and improved tools appear each year. What never changes is our attention to clarity. You’ll always receive straightforward explanations, plain language, and realistic expectations. The intention is to make restoration understandable, not mysterious.
Bathwood Revival Workshop
12 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ, England
Phone: 441 225 786 410
Email: [email protected]