Restoring Mid-Century Furniture: Conservation, Craft, and Context

Buying Guides

October 25, 2025

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Our team restores a rare Swedish armchair at our Kingsland Workshop

Every item has a unique story, defined by how it has been used and the patina it has developed over time. Our aim is to respect the past while ensuring the piece looks and functions beautifully in a contemporary setting.

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.

Restoring Mid-Century Furniture: Conservation, Craft, and Context

Our team restores a rare Swedish armchair at our Kingsland Workshop

Restoration starts in the Good Form library.

A Thoughtful Approach to Restoration

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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.

A Danish rosewood dining chair during restoration at our Kingsland workshop

Assessing a mid-century dining chair before restoration.

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 each piece’s story.

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Preserving Design History for Modern Living
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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.

Beautifully restored pieces showcased at the Good Form Gallery.

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