Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Antique Furniture Restoration in Newcastle upon Tyne
Established in 1959, R Zabrocki & Son has dedicated over six decades to the meticulous restoration of antique furniture. Our expertise spans surface repairs, replacement of intricate components, and revival of historical techniques like veneer and marquetry. We maintain a comprehensive stock of period-appropriate materials to ensure authentic repairs. Under Ian Zabrocki's leadership since 1979, we continue employing traditional methods passed down through generations, avoiding modern refinishing techniques that compromise historical integrity. Our workshop in Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, serves as a testament to our commitment to preserving craftsmanship.Clients benefit from our deep technical knowledge, insurance-compliant quotation services, and a legacy of trust built over six decades. Every restoration project reflects our philosophy that antiques should appear cherished rather than newly manufactured. With experience handling everything from delicate inlays to four-poster beds, we combine generational wisdom with practical innovation. Our work has earned recognition from satisfied clients and industry peers alike, maintaining the highest standards of traditional furniture conservation.
Services
Surface repairs
Replacement parts
Veneer restoration
Drawer mechanisms
Inlay repair
Insurance quotations
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- Six decades of specialist antique furniture restoration experience
- Traditional techniques passed through three generations of craftsmen
- Comprehensive in-house stock of period-appropriate materials
- Insurance-compliant quotation services available
- Proven expertise with complex restorations from marquetry to structural repairs
What people say
Delighted customer
Happy customer
Breathed new life
Seamless repairs
Preserved heritage
Services
Antique furniture restoration
Specialist restoration of antique wooden furniture using traditional techniques. We repair structural damage, surface wear, and decorative elements while maintaining historical authenticity. Our methods avoid modern refinishing approaches that compromise original character, ensuring pieces appear continuously well-maintained rather than newly restored.
Surface damage repair
Comprehensive treatment of scratches, dents, cracks and splits in antique wooden surfaces. Our craftsmen employ period-appropriate materials and techniques to restore original appearance without compromising structural integrity. Each repair considers the piece's age, usage history and construction methods for authentic results.
Replacement components
Precision creation of replacement furniture parts including legs, arms and shelves. We match original materials, construction techniques and decorative details to ensure seamless integration. Our extensive material stock enables accurate replication of period-specific components from Victorian to Georgian styles.
Veneer restoration
Specialist repair and recreation of intricate veneer, marquetry and parquetry surfaces. Our expertise extends to complex patterns and rare wood species, employing traditional tools and adhesives. We preserve original patina while addressing structural weaknesses in these delicate decorative elements.
Insurance services
Provision of detailed restoration quotations for insurance claims. Our documentation includes condition assessments, photographic records and cost breakdowns. We work directly with insurers to ensure accurate valuation and appropriate restoration standards for antique furniture claims.
People
Richard Zabrocki
Founder
Established the business in 1959 after learning traditional techniques from his father in pre-war Warsaw. Developed expertise in Saville Row before relocating to Newcastle, building a reputation for authentic restoration methods that preserve historical integrity through three generations.
Ian Zabrocki
Owner
Joined the business in 1979, mastering traditional techniques from his father. Now sole proprietor, he continues the legacy using purpose-built facilities in Newburn. With over four decades of hands-on experience, he specialises in complex restorations while maintaining the company's commitment to historical accuracy.
Questions
What types of antique furniture can you restore?
We handle all wooden antique furniture including chairs, tables, cabinets and specialist pieces. Our expertise covers structural repairs, surface restoration, and decorative element conservation from simple repairs to complex marquetry work.
Do you work on listed or museum pieces?
Yes, our traditional techniques meet conservation standards suitable for listed items and museum collections. We maintain detailed records and use reversible methods where required by heritage organisations.
Can you match original materials?
We maintain extensive stocks of period-appropriate woods, finishes and fittings. Our collection includes rare materials specifically for matching historical pieces, ensuring authentic repairs that respect the original craftsmanship.
Do you provide insurance valuations?
We offer detailed condition reports and restoration quotations for insurance purposes, including photographic documentation and itemised cost breakdowns accepted by major insurance providers.
What's your workshop location?
Our purpose-built workshop in Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne houses both our restoration facilities and material stores. We operate from the same location since 2013, maintaining our central North East base since 1969.
