About Us

Victor Potter became involved in the trade as a teenager where he began by stripping and repolishing an Edwardian double pedestal desk and fitting it with a new leather skiver. Although he had initially intended to keep it, an acceptable offer was quickly forthcoming together with a new commission to restore an elderly worm infested oak corner cupboard. Apart from a lengthy diversion building a wooden sailing dinghy, where no joint was straight, for what he described as 'the challenge of the woodwork', he rapidly developed his interest and techniques in restoration and conservation and has now accumulated some forty years experience in the sale, repair and restoration of antiques and period wooden furniture. Recent projects include work on early oak and country examples, architectural woodwork and other period wooden items. Work includes free initial inspection and assessment, recommendations and quotations, careful dismantling as appropriate, stuctural repairs, replacement of damaged or missing parts, careful cleaning, reviving, colouring and polishing. He believes in a conservationist approach  and, where possible, works towards preserving as much of the original and its patina as possible. An initial assessment can be given from photographs which are emailed to us but in the case of a complicated repair we will suggest we inspect the item in order to give considered recommendations subject to payment of travelling expenses if appropriate. We are happy to quote for remedial work following fire, water or accidental damage for insurance claims.ts

We also replace desk and box leathers and leather bookshelf edging. Click the Gallery tab to see some examples of our restoration work.

Alongside our restoration and conservation work we carry a small stock of period wooden furniture and other antiques and vintage items which we sell via the internet. We particularly seek genuine examples of primitive country to Regency furniture and in the acquisition of items which require sensitive restoration. Current stock items are available for inspection at our Eastbourne premises, by appointment. Trade and private enquiries welcome,

Victor is assisted by Joshua Munns, shown below. Here Joshua is carefully replacing small patches of boxwood and ebony parquetry inlay previously lost or damaged as a result of an earlier poor repair. Having gained his spurs as a restorer Joshua is now becoming involved with all other aspects of the business including the diagnosis of faults in wooden furniture, sales and purchases.