Business Details
37 Years
experience
Professional Furniture Restoration & Bespoke Furniture in Reading
Established in 1989 by Simon Corbyn and Les Newell, Corwell specialises in furniture restoration and bespoke craftsmanship rooted in over four decades of combined expertise. Our team of skilled cabinet makers, trained to City and Guilds standards, employs both traditional techniques and modern methods to restore antique and contemporary furniture to its original glory. We prioritise sustainability by utilising locally sourced timber and repurposing materials, ensuring environmental responsibility while preserving historical value. Our services cater to domestic clients, interior designers, and corporate clients, with a focus on precision in repairs, French polishing, and custom design. We maintain transparency throughout the restoration process, providing detailed consultations and cost estimates.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our use of premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, from repairing structural damage to reviving finishes. We serve clients across the UK, offering tailored solutions for individual pieces or complete room settings. Our reputation for excellence is evidenced by long-standing client relationships and testimonials praising our craftsmanship and service. By blending heritage skills with contemporary innovation, we ensure furniture retains its functional and aesthetic value for future generations. Corwell remains dedicated to supporting British manufacturing and sustainable practices in every project undertaken.
Services
Furniture Restoration
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
Modern Furniture Repairs
French Polishing
Veneering
Wood-Turning
Re-Caning
Re-Upholstery
Disaster Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in furniture restoration and bespoke craftsmanship.
- Our team includes City and Guilds qualified cabinet makers with expertise in traditional techniques.
- We prioritise sustainable practices using locally sourced and repurposed materials.
- We provide transparent consultations and detailed project cost estimates.
- We serve diverse clients including domestic, interior design, and corporate sectors.
What people say
Craftsmanship is flawless
Delighted with the outcome
Beautifuly restored
Quality of workmanship shine
Worth every penny
Services
Furniture Restoration
We restore antique and modern wooden furniture to its original condition using traditional techniques and modern methods. Our specialists handle structural repairs, finish restoration, and conservation while preserving historical integrity. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that extend furniture lifespan and maintain value.
Bespoke Furniture
Our team creates made-to-order furniture matching individual specifications and room dimensions. We collaborate closely with clients to design pieces that complement existing decor while ensuring functionality. Using sustainably sourced timber, we craft high-quality items ranging from tables to complete room settings.
French Polishing
This traditional technique restores wooden surfaces to a deep, lustrous finish. Our experts apply multiple layers of shellac by hand to enhance grain patterns and protect surfaces. The process rejuvenates antique furniture while maintaining authenticity and preserving patina.
Disaster Restoration
We specialise in repairing furniture damaged by floods, fires, or vandalism. Our team removes watermarks, repairs structural damage, and restores finishes using specialist equipment. This service ensures valuable pieces recover functionality and aesthetic appeal after unexpected incidents.
Veneering
Our craftsmen repair damaged veneer surfaces by matching grain patterns and applying new layers. This technique restores worn or broken sections while maintaining the original appearance. We use reclaimed materials where possible to ensure seamless integration with existing furniture.
People
Simon Corbyn
Co-Founder
Co-founder with City and Guilds qualifications in furniture making. Specialises in antique restoration techniques and workshop management. Has over 40 years of industry experience, combining traditional skills with modern innovation to deliver high-quality results.
Les Newell
Co-Founder
Co-founder and expert in bespoke furniture design. Holds City and Guilds distinctions in handmade furniture. Oversees client consultations and project specifications, ensuring each piece meets exact requirements while maintaining craftsmanship standards.
Questions
What types of furniture do you restore?
We restore all wooden furniture including antiques, modern pieces, dining tables, chairs, cabinets, and bespoke items using traditional and modern techniques.
Can you match existing furniture finishes?
Yes, our specialists use colour-matching techniques and traditional French polishing to ensure seamless integration with original finishes and patina.
Do you offer custom furniture design services?
We create bespoke furniture to client specifications, including complete room settings, ensuring perfect fit with existing decor and functional requirements.
How do you handle antique furniture repairs?
We employ conservation-focused methods that preserve original materials while repairing damage, ensuring historical integrity and value retention.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Reading, we serve clients across Berkshire, the UK, and work with international clients for specific restoration projects.
Are your materials sustainable?
We prioritise locally sourced timber and repurpose materials where possible, using every wood scrap efficiently to minimise environmental impact.
