Restoring Mid-Century Furniture : Conservation, Craft and Context
Our team restores a rare Swedish armchair at our Kingsland Workshop.
Restoring Mid-Century Furniture: Conservation, Craft, and Context
At Mr. Bigglesworthy, we’re passionate about timeless design — especially the elegant simplicity and craftsmanship of mid-century furniture. These pieces were built to last, and with the right care, they can continue to enrich our homes and lives for generations. That’s why conservation sits at the heart of what we do. Every piece in our collection is thoroughly checked and carefully restored to ensure it stands the test of time.
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Restoration often starts in the Good Form Gallery library, Eden Terrace, Auckland.
A Thoughtful Approach to Restoration
Our restoration process begins long before we pick up any tools. Understanding the historic context of an item — and the intention of its designer and maker — is essential to how we work. This knowledge informs every decision we make throughout the process. We draw from our extensive library of reference material, including original product catalogues and design publications, to ensure each piece is treated with authenticity and respect.
The key to successful restoration is knowing how much intervention is needed. It’s easy to erase the history of an object and diminish its character through overzealous restoration. The most valuable skill in this craft is knowing when to leave things alone. Every item has a unique story, defined by how it has been used and the patina it has developed over time. Our aim is always to find the right balance between respecting the past and ensuring the piece looks and functions beautifully in a contemporary setting.
Crafted by Hand in Our Kingsland Workshop
All our restoration work takes place on site in our Kingsland workshop and studio. Here, our team of skilled craftspeople work by hand, combining traditional techniques with an expert eye for design. Having our restoration process in-house allows us to oversee every detail – ensuring quality, consistency, and a deep respect for the story of each piece.
A Danish rosewood dining chair during restoration at our workshop, Kingsland, Auckland.
Assessing a mid-century dining chair during restoration.
Weaving the rope cord seat on a mid-century dining chair.
Preserving Design History for Modern Living
Restoring mid-century furniture is more than a process; it’s a form of stewardship. By conserving the integrity of these designs, we honour the craftsmanship and innovation that defined an era and ensure these timeless works continue to inspire in modern spaces. Each restored piece from Mr. Bigglesworthy embodies our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the enduring value of good design.
Explore the Collection
We invite you to experience our restored mid-century furniture in person at our Auckland showroom or explore the full collection online. Discover timeless pieces that celebrate design history and bring enduring craftsmanship into your home.
View our curated selection of mid-century modern furniture, lighting and accessories.
Beautifully restored pieces showcased at the Good Form Gallery.
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