If you are looking for an expert able to undertake the restoration of antiques around Guildford, then do contact us at Snelling Associates! We are based in Shere (where we have been working for over 25 years!) and we provide a top quality, personalised service.

Just look at our web site and you will see the sheer variety of antiques that we have restored from objets d’art through to tables, cabinets, chests – and sometimes items that almost defy description! You will also see that we restore mirror and picture frames. Some of these have incredibly complicated details, both in wood and plaster, that have needed very specialised work to restore.

Of course, we undertake a great deal of work as part of insurance claims where antiques have suffered from impact, fire or water damage. Often we receive family heirlooms that are in a terrible state and yet (almost invariably!) we are able to restore them to their previous glory (and value).

We are able to make up lost or damaged parts – so do not be too concerned if your antique is missing finials or has damaged woodwork or plaster work. In our workshop we can reproduce details and replace veneers and then colour and French polish or wax your antique to produce a finish and patina that matches in with the rest of the piece. This, of course, is vital and an integral part of our work. Our aim is always to ensure that your antique is restored so that it is as perfect as its age allows – and that it is usable and a delight to possess.

So, if you are looking for someone who can undertake the restoration of antiques around Guildford then do contact us now. Come and meet us or send us details of the work you want doing and we can discuss your requirements and provide you with a quotation for the work. I am sure that you will be delighted with the service we provide and the professionalism of our antique restorations!

Peter Snelling

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If you are looking for mirror and picture frame restoration around Leatherhead then do contact us at Snelling Associates. We are based in the pretty village of Shere and we are experts at mirror and picture frame restoration.

We have been restoring antique mirror and picture frames for many years – along with the restoration of other antiques. However, we have a particular passion for mirror and picture frames, which can be a delight to restore to their past glory. Once restored, they can look absolutely gorgeous and, as they are often focal points within a room, they can transform how somewhere looks!

Of course may pictures and mirrors are inherited items and cherished – albeit that all too often they have suffered from impact damage, natural ageing or the effects of fire smoke or even water damage (sometimes from being in a place that has high humidity). Over time the effect can be to dull the original frame which (particularly if it is ornate) can also suffer from lost finials and details.

At our workshops we can:

• re-make broken or lost parts
• re-gild, polish and re-colour frames
• retain and enhance the patina of the frame (to ensure that its value is kept or greatly improved!)

Just look at the images of some of the mirror and picture frame restoration that we have done and you will appreciate the difference we can make!

So, if you are want mirror and picture frame restoration around Leatherhead – call us now and let us transform your mirror or picture frame!

Peter Snelling

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Are you looking for an expert to do mirror frame repairs around Guildford – someone who can restore your mirror or picture frame to its past glory? If you are, then why not contact us at Snelling Associates?

As specialists in antique restoration we have spent many years restoring mirror and picture frames around the Guildford and London area. We are able to undertake detailed work that includes re-making broken or lost parts as well, of course, as restoring surfaces that have aged badly or been damaged through impact, fire or water. We can re-gild, polish and re-colour frames – whilst (very importantly!) retaining the original patina of a frame. This is vital if the frame is to retain its value and character.

We can provide you with a free quotation for any work and we constantly undertake restoration work for insurance companies. So we are accustomed to taking on insurance related work.

If you look through our web site you will see numerous examples of our work – with many of the picture and mirror frames that you can see having been brought to us in a awful state! Indeed, we have brought to life many frames that have been terribly damaged and that have required extensive re-building. This has often involved very particular joinery and the replicating of extremely delicate and ornate decorative pieces!

So – do not despair if you have a picture or mirror frame that has suffered badly. The chances are good that we can restore it and return to being an object of pride and joy.

If you are looking for mirror frame repairs around Guildford call us to make an appointment to come to our workshop or e-mail us and send us a picture of the frame you want restoring. We will then gladly provide you with a cost for its restoration.

Peter Snelling

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Are you looking for someone who can undertake the restoration of antiques and furniture around Guildford – a long-standing business that provides an expert and personal service? If you are then do contact us now!

At Snelling Associates we have been dealing with the restoration of antiques and furniture around Guildford for over twenty years. Over that time, we have dealt with almost every conceivable type of restoration! So, almost certainly we can deal with whatever you need restoring.

Of course we undertake a lot of insurance related work where antiques or furniture have suffered from impact, flood or fire damage. Often the damage to items brought to us by clients is very severe and yet it is rare indeed that we are unable to restore the piece concerned to the way it should look (and function). We can make turnings and filigree and replace veneer and so on, so if something is missing or broken then we can replicate it.

Equally, we understand the vital importance of retaining (or increasing) the value of what is brought to us.

So, a major part of our work involves making seamless repairs and then ensuring that the finishing of the item concerned looks entirely authentic – i.e. that it has the patina and finish to be expected of the item concerned, given its age and provenance. This is a skill that few people have and one that we consider of the first importance.

You can see from the images here what the end-result has been with a writing desk brought to us some time ago. When we received this piece it was in a dreadful state. Now, it is a fully functioning and beautiful item of furniture.

We also specialise in the restoration of mirror and picture frames – which is a particular love of ours! We can completely revitalise any frame that you have! These are often delicate items and, over the years, often suffer from a great deal of damage. They also tend to lose much of their beauty from being hung over fires or in areas which tarnish the gilt. So – if you have picture or mirror frames that need restoration or re-gilding then do contact us now.

Of course, we provide you with costings prior to starting any work and I am sure that you will find our prices extremely competitive and our personal service quite unique. So, call us now and let us return your cherished antique to its past glory!

Peter Snelling

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Are you looking for mirror and picture frame restoration around London?

Well, if you are – then do come to us at Snelling Associates.  We specialise in the restoration of mirror and picture frames and we can undertake the repairs or restoration that you need – to a quality and attention to detail that you will not find elsewhere!

We have spent many years undertaking mirror and picture frame restoration around London and our clients range from antique dealers through to private clients and insurance assessors who recommend us to do repairs and restoration of antiques and objets d’art that have been damaged and are subject to an insurance claim.  So, we have very considerable experience is dealing with a wide variety of mirror and picture frames – brought to us in wildly different conditions.

• Cleaning
• Re-gilding
• Repair of moldings
• New moldings made
• French polishing
• All structural repairs to wood frames

At our workshops we are fully equipped to deal with almost any repair or restoration required – whether that involves the reforming of filigrees or the remaking of details and decorative areas that are lost or badly damaged.  If the frame is wooden we can re-veneer where necessary or we can replace parts that are rotten or defective.  Indeed, as you can see from the images on this web site (some in the course of restoration!) there is very little that we cannot tackle.

Of course, as specialist antique restorers, we are fully aware of the importance of retaining the value of any item that we work upon.  The patina of an antique is important and so we always pride ourselves upon making sure that repairs are made sympathetically so that the overall value of your objet’ d’art is, at the very least, preserved – and usually greatly increased!

We always provide an estimate or  quotation for the work that you require and we believe that if you are looking for mirror or picture frame restoration around London that you will find no-one else able to provide a service of such good value.  Furthermore, the personal service that we provide will make dealing with us a pleasure.  As highly skilled craftsmen, we are immensely proud of our skills and the reputation that we have gained over many years and we are passionate about the restoration that we undertake – a vital quality, if you seek workmanship redolent with excellence!

To know more about what we can do for you and how we can repair or restore your picture or mirror frame – call me now!

Peter Snelling

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Are you looking for expert mirror and picture frame restoration around south London? If you are then come to us, Snelling Associates. We are based in the lovely village of Shere, near Dorking and we specialise in mirror and picture frame restoration.

We tackle all types of mirror and picture frames – including extremely ornate antique frames such as the one pictured here. This particular piece had been dropped and suffered huge impact damage. Indeed, I think the owners felt that the frame may have been irreparably damaged. However, as you can see, we have restored it to its previous condition, which has included re-colouring the frame so that all the repairs that we have undertaken are invisible. Not only is the mirror frame usable again, it has also retained its previous value. We have been, as always, super-careful about retaining the patina of the frame, which is vital when it comes to restoring antique items.

Over the years we have dealt with an incredible variety of frames, some of which have been huge! Other frames have been incredibly intricate and have involved very careful work that has included making turnings and finials. So far we have never turned a frame away and we have never failed to restore a frame to its previous glory.

If you need expert mirror or picture frame restoration around south London then do call us or send us details with pictures of the work you require doing. We are used to undertaking work for insurance companies and frequently deal with frames that have suffered from water, fire or impact damage.

So, if your beloved mirror or picture frame needs restoration do not despair! You would not believe the state of some of the mirror or picture frames brought to us – any more than you would believe how wonderful they look like post-restoration!

Peter Snelling

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At Snelling Associates, we specialise in mirror frame restoration around London. For many years now we have repaired and restored mirror and picture frames and you can see from the images here the type of finish we are able to achieve.

Often the frames that we receive are in very poor state and have badly decayed over the years or been damaged by water, fire or some form of impact. Moldings are frequently missing and distorted. Meanwhile, the original glorious colours of frames have faded or have been distressed (sometimes from being positioned for far too long over smoky fireplaces). The result are frames that lack merit and, all too often, value. This is a great shame!

At our workshop in Shere, we are able to completely fully restore mirror and picture frames. We can completely remake moldings (however intricate) and repair the frame so that it has the integrity it had when new. We can re-colour and gild and return your frame so that it looks as it would have done in years past – whilst retaining the precious historic patina of the frame.

• Cleaning
• Re-gilding
• Repair of moldings
• New moldings made
• French polishing
• All structural repairs to wood frames

Certainly retaining patina and the ‘feel’ of the frame is very important and is something about which we take great pride. Restoring picture and mirror frames is not just about doing repairs. It is about a careful restoration. This is not just about making an item more aesthetically pleasing. It is about retaining and enhancing its value, given its age and provenance.

If you are looking for truly skillful mirror frame restoration around London to restore your mirror – or picture frame – then do give us a call. You can arrange to bring your frame to us for a quote or send us detailed images and we will tell you what we can do for you – together with the cost. I think you will be impressed!

Peter Snelling

The post Mirror frame restoration around London appeared first on Antique Restoration Surrey.

Are you looking for spectacular mirror frame repairs in the London area? If you are then look no further! At Snelling Associates we specialise in mirror frame repairs and the repair of picture frames.

Just look at the magnificent Florentine mirror above – which is huge (approx. 6′ by 4′!). This was brought to us looking very worn and it was suffering from numerous areas of damage and looking rather sad. Now, however, it is in superb condition and we are very proud of the restoration. It took two weeks to complete and required some very delicate work. This included remaking areas of broken or damaged filigree, along with extensive cleaning and re-colouring. This has been very successful and you can see that we have also retained the patina of this mirror.

Of course, a fundamental part of professional restoration is the preservation and enhancement of the value of an item. This is essential and, in many ways, the most awkward part of the work involved. It takes very little to devalue an antique and we are extremely careful to ensure that the work we undertake results in increasing the value and usability of the piece upon which we are working.

• Cleaning
• Re-gilding
• Repair of moldings
• New moldings made
• French polishing
• All structural repairs to wood frames

It is never easy to match the colouring of antique surfaces so that any repair is invisible. However, we have years of experience in doing this successfully and pride ourselves on not only the quality of our repairs but our ability to make those repairs match exactly the rest of the piece we are restoring.

If you need mirror frame repairs within the London area then do contact us! You can either bring your mirror frame or picture frame into our workshop – or send us images from which we can provide a quote for you. We should be delighted to help you…

Peter Snelling

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Over the years we have undertaken a great deal of restoration of antique boxes and blanket chests in Surrey. These are often brought to us in an appalling state, with owners frequently asking whether they are worth restoring!

In fact invariably boxes and blanket chests can be really worth restoring and, once restored, can become objects of great beauty – whilst also being very useful. They make great coffee tables or side tables and, of course, retain their original purpose of storing items.

Recently a client brought in the box photographed here. It looked hideous, had been cruelly treated and was almost ready for the rubbish tip. However, you can see the difference some skilled work makes. Now it is, rightfully, a source of pride to the owner and for many years to come will grace their home as a useful and lovely object that will last for many generations to come.

Certainly as time goes by wooden boxes and blanket chests are becoming increasingly rare and yet they were often well made and very well crafted. There is a joy to old, seasoned timber that cannot be replicated by anything new. Modern boxes and chests, by comparison, lack any patina and are rarely robust enough to last for long. Solid and useful and sometimes elegant, antique boxes and blanket chests have character and were constructed to last.

Of course, many people who bring us boxes and blanket chests to restore have had these items in their family for generations. Many were used by previous members of the family who were in the military and it was in these boxes that they would have transported their goods (and arms) around the world, along with chests full of horse tack and so on. Often antique boxes and chests have military or naval insignia or even family crests. They would have been important to anyone owning one and that history is worth preserving!

So – if you are looking for restoration of antique boxes and blanket chests in Surrey contact us. We can return your cherished but battered box or chest to its past glory!

Peter Snelling

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At Snelling Associates we have just completed a most unusual antique restoration! Recently a client brought a sleigh into our Surrey work shop – a Russian sleigh that had lain for many years in one of her barns. It was in a dreadful condition and very much neglected. However, I immediately realised that it was something special and started work to restore it.

You can see the images below of both the sleigh when it first came into my work shop and then the finished item (prior to it being re-uphostered). It looks absolutely fantastic and is now in full working order.

You may ask why I have no images of the upholstered version? Well, I took the sleigh to be reupholstered but the upholsterer thought, like me, that the sleigh was very old and that it almost certainly has historical importance. This was confirmed by the cushioning behind the upholstery, which dated the sleigh to around 1700. So, the re-upholstery may have to be undertaken by a historical specialist in this period.

What is interesting is that my client is a relation of a famous writer of the period. In fact, another great writer, the diarist John Evelyn (1620 – 1710) rented his house to Peter the Great when he came to visit England from 11^th January 1698 – 21^st April 1698. So, we are all wondering whether the sleigh was perhaps given to John Evelyn by Peter the Great as a present or perhaps was a present for someone else that was left at his house and maybe given to the ancestor of my client. This is a very compelling and rather exciting thought – and one that is now being investigated by a Sotherby’s sleigh specialist.

One thing is for sure and that is that John Evelyn deserved some kind of recompense for renting his house out to Peter the Great, who evidently trashed it! The author Ian Grey in his book ‘Peter the Great in England’ states:

No part of the house escaped damage. All the floors were covered with grease and ink, and three new floors had to be provided. The tiled stoves, locks to the doors, and all the paint work had to be renewed. The curtains, quilts, and bed linen were ‘tore in pieces.’ All the chairs in the house, numbering over fifty, were broken, or had disappeared, probably used to stoke the fires. Three hundred window panes were broken and there were ‘twenty fine pictures very much tore and all frames broke.’ The garden which was Evelyn’s pride was ruined.

I rather suspect that the sleigh was inadequate recompense – although the damage may have been good news for any antique restorers in the area!

The above all rather illustrates the variety of items that I get to restore, which is what makes being an Surrey antique restorations so fulfilling. I simply never know what is going to be brought in next – with a Russian sleigh (possibly owned by Peter the Great) being a fine example.

Of course, if you are looking for an antique restorer in Surrey then do contact me. I always welcome challenging projects and you can see from these images the difference that skilled antique restoration can make.

Peter Snelling

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