Courses

Our courses are run in sets of units, which build to give the student a comprehensive understanding.

The aim is that the student progresses at a pace which suits them.

Each task undertaken is repeated until both the student and tutor are confident that the next step can be approachedFor beginners, we recommend an introduction to cabinet making.

This is designed to develop the students’ skills and understanding of furniture construction and associated decoration.

On completing this, students are prepared to embark on the conservation and restoration units.

We are also able to provide training workshops for individuals wishing to become a practising conservator /restorer or cabinet maker.

Most sessions start with an informal lecture on the techniques to be learnt.


Handouts are supplied; and these may be built up into a reference file.

On attending the first session, the student is invited to bring their own tools for assessment and fine tuning. You will be shown the correct methods of tuning & maintaining your tool kit.

However, there is a wide selection of tools available for the student to try out during sessions. When attending further sessions, your tools should be in a “ready to use” condition, as this will give you greater time to focus on the new techniques and skills.

Guidance on purchasing tools & materials will be given during the course.

The sessions run from Monday to Friday, with a morning break 11-11.15 am.

A light lunch and refreshments are provided between 1pm – 2pm.

Due to the time restrictions and the complexity of some techniques, some tasks may need to be completed out of course hours.

Course Structure

Click the panels below for more information and images

Cabinet Making
Week 1 - Beginners
• Tool evaluation & maintenance
• Sizing timber & setting out
• Workshop rods
• Timber identification
Week 2 - Using Hand Saws & Chisels
• Hand cut joints
• Half lap
• Tennons
• Bridle
• Trough & half lap dovetail
• Trough & stopped housing
• Dowel
Week 3 - Adhesives

• Preparation & use
• Methods of clamping
• Checking for square
• Mechanical fixing & fittings
Week 4 - Veneering
• Adhesives
• Storing & selecting veneers
• Methods of cutting
• Laying and pressing veneer
Week 5 - Marquetry & Inlays
• Window cut (Knife)
• Pad cut (Fret Sawn)
• Sand shading
• Producing bandings
Week 6 - Making a Side Table

Using the knowledge gained at previous sessions, students will complete a side table
Week 7 - Surfaces
• Timber Surfaces preparation
• Timber colouring methods
• Applying surface finishes
Conservation & Restoration
Week 8 -

Identification & removal of:
Surface finishes
Week 9 - Surface Finishing 1

• Surface preparation
• Grain fillers
• Sealers
• Colouring timber
Week 10 - Surface Finishing 2

• Making & applying wax
• Applying oils
• Making & applying French polish
Week 11 - Veneering

• Preparing veneer
• Laying decorative veneer
• Conserving & restoring decorative veneer
Week 12 - Consolidation

• Dismantling & re-assembly of furniture & decorative items.
• Hydrating structural joint
• Removing metal work & fixings
• Consolidation of fragile items.
Week 13 - Ironmongery

• Identify ironmongery
• Making new key
• Toning metals
• Reproducing items in resin
Week 14 - Reproducing Patina

• Reproducing patina on various materials
• Consolidation of various materials
Week 15 - Reproductions of mouldings

Reproduction & consolidation of:
• Timber mouldings
Week 16 - Gilding 1

• Making & applying gesso
• Preparing & applying bole
• Making composition
• Making moulds of decorative items
• Producing composition moulds
Week 16 - Gilding 2

• Applying oil gilding
• Applying water gilding
• Burnishing
• Toning gilded surfaces

Course fee: £575 per week.

A deposit of £100 is required on booking, with the balance due 4 weeks before course commencement.

Please note the deposit is non refundable.

In the unlikely event we need to cancel a course, an alternative date will be offered. If this is unsuitable, the course fees will be refunded.

Personalised courses are available; please contact us with requirements.

Email enquiries and for course availability: