Deja Vu Antique & Furniture Restoration

15/06/2025

Occasionally, a client comes to the workshop with a rather unusual restoration project, and this is one!

This H. Hicks & Son upright piano from early 20th century was beyond economical repair but had a huge sentimental value to the client having once belonged to her Nan and then Mum. Yet, keeping it in its current state was not an option so it needed to be converted into something else original and useful, and also meaningful to her.

I removed all the action work, reduced the overall size of the piano and turned it into a console table, sanded the faux rosewood paint to uncover the original walnut veneer underneath. All finished with some French polish and wax overall, and a glass top to display the keys!

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and the client absolutely loved the end result! She was delighted. Thank you for your trust and praises Mrs H.

If you too can relate to her story, I would be happy to assist and work with you. Feel free to contact me to discuss your project!

www.dejavurestoration.co.uk

.Hicks&Son

21/04/2025

Any idea what this banding veneer is, please?
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22/12/2024

As a profesional cabinet maker, you can imagine I was pretty happy to be asked to work on this beautiful 19th century tool chest. The brief was to give this piece of pine furniture a more modern look. So I stripped it, and lightened the timber, producing a piece that fits better with a contemporary interior. I also enjoyed finding a sustainable and aesthetic way of turning brown furniture into something with broader use.

29/11/2024

Last year marked a special milestone for me: I realised I had lived in the UK for as long as I had in France. While the UK is where I’ve built my career as an antique and furniture restorer, my craft will always be deeply rooted in my French and Belgian training as a cabinet maker, specializing in marquetry.

This morning, I felt an incredible sense of inspiration as the restored Notre Dame Cathedral was unveiled — a testament to the dedication and artistry of so many skilled craftspeople. Seeing and hearing about their painstaking work reminds me why I love what I do. I can’t wait to visit Notre Dame and see the incredible work for myself:

The French president praises the cathedral's restoration with the building set to open to the public on 7 December.

15/11/2024

🍂✨ It might be a bit early to start singing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but it’s never too early to get your autumn and winter essentials restored! ✨🔥

I recently loved bringing these unusually long-handled bellows back to life – cleaned up the brass, dressed the leather, and repaired the straps. Now, they’re ready to stoke those cozy fires all season long. Whether it’s fireplace accessories, a cherished chair, or a family heirloom, I’m here to help restore the warmth and charm of your favourite items. 🌟

Book now to get your piece restored in time for a toasty autumn and winter: T: 07906 064056 E: [email protected] W: www.dejavurestoration.co.uk

13/02/2024

I recently co-managed the realisation of a large dining table (2.8x1.2m) for a client in France. Sourcing out the board of oak and bringing it back to the workshop for the crafting and finishing of the top. Once the legs had been made by a metal workshop in France, I took the top across and assembled the table for the first and only time on the client's premises. In my opinion, a very successful project from start to finish. Don't you think?