A lovely rural Oak, three drawer chest that arrived in pieces. Lots of clues in its construction point to an original, handmade piece showing tool marks and some charming details that may be dismissed as ‘folksy’ or naive.

The whole interior had virtually collapsed with many pieces being beyond repair due to complex fractures, woodworm damage or missing pieces.

The original front apron was quite clumsy with little surface are between components to allow for strength.

The original soft wood draw runners, dividers and back are replaced with oak after the frame has been dismantled, old adhesive cleaned away and reglued. The completed frame is then pinned with oak dowels.

New back morticed into the leg frame

The new front apron is tenoned at the edges to locate into the mortices at the top of the legs.

The draws are dismantled and reglued and finally fitted

Repairs are colour matched and sealed with shellac.