Business Details
38 Years
experience
Expert Bespoke Furniture & Restoration Services
Established in 1988, Tom S Ironside Furniture Group has built an exceptional reputation in Aberdeenshire for expert furniture restoration, conservation, and bespoke craftsmanship. Our workshop in Finzean combines traditional techniques with modern innovation, offering services ranging from intricate wood carving to French polishing and lacquer finishing. With a dedicated team of highly skilled artisans, we specialise in both private and corporate commissions, including unique display cases, fireplaces, and ceremonial furniture. Our commitment to preserving historical integrity while delivering tailored solutions has earned us long-standing partnerships with institutions like the National Trust for Scotland.We prioritise client collaboration, ensuring every project reflects individual needs while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our conservation work utilises traditional materials to stabilise and protect treasured pieces, and we actively share expertise through hands-on restoration classes. This blend of experience, technical skill, and dedication to quality positions us as trusted custodians of both antique and contemporary furniture.
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Antique Restoration
French Polishing
Lacquer Finishing
Wood Carving
Veneering
Chair Caning
Rushing
Conservation
Restoration Classes
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of combined experience in traditional furniture craftsmanship
- We use traditional materials and techniques for authentic restoration work
- Our team offers personalised service for bespoke commissions and repairs
- We hold specialist expertise in historical conservation for listed buildings
- We provide hands-on restoration classes led by experienced professionals
What people say
Expert craftsmanship
Personalised service
Satisfaction with results
Knowledgeable team
Attention to detail
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Design and manufacture of unique furniture pieces tailored to client specifications. Our craftsmen create one-of-a-kind items using traditional woodworking techniques combined with modern innovation. Clients can provide their own designs or collaborate with our team to develop custom solutions for private and corporate spaces.
Antique Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of antique wooden furniture and artefacts. We employ traditional methods to repair items ranging from grandfather clocks to historic fireplaces, preserving original materials while restoring functionality. Our work maintains historical integrity while addressing modern usage requirements.
French Polishing
Application of natural shellac finishes using time-honoured techniques. This process creates a distinctive 'toffee apple' appearance ideal for antiques and hardwood furniture. Our specialists build multiple layers by hand, ensuring a durable finish that enhances the wood's natural beauty.
Conservation
Specialist conservation of furniture and interiors using traditional materials and methods. We stabilise and protect heritage items for institutions like the National Trust for Scotland, employing techniques that minimise deterioration while maintaining original construction principles for listed buildings.
Restoration Classes
Guided furniture restoration workshops for amateur enthusiasts. Led by experienced professionals, these sessions teach traditional techniques including polishing and repair. Classes run in 10-week blocks with a focus on practical skills development in a supportive, social environment.
People
Tom Ironside
Cabinet Maker
Specialist in restoration and conservation with over 60 years' experience. Creator of ceremonial chairs for Robert Gordon University and essay piece for Trinity Hall membership.
Doreen Ironside
French Polisher
Over 30 years' expertise in traditional finishing techniques. Specialises in flame mahogany restoration and contributes to restoration classes.
Jenny Brand
Furniture Finisher
Mid-century furniture specialist with decade-plus experience in French polishing and commercial paint finishes. Regular contributor to restoration workshops.
Moira Aitken
Furniture Restorer
30-year veteran in furniture restoration and woven seating. Expert in fireplace restoration projects including the Fife Arms Hotel commission.
Claudia Paterson
Bespoke Manufacturer
Specialist in custom furniture creation with 30 years' experience. Notable work includes the Mortcloth display cabinet for Trinity Hall, Aberdeen.
Questions
What types of furniture restoration do you specialise in?
We specialise in antique wooden furniture restoration including chairs, tables, fireplaces, and historic artefacts using traditional techniques.
Can you create bespoke furniture from custom designs?
Yes, we offer bespoke furniture design and manufacture to client specifications, including unique display cases and ceremonial pieces.
Do you provide conservation services for historic buildings?
Yes, we undertake conservation work for listed buildings and historic interiors using traditional materials and methods.
Are restoration classes available for amateurs?
Yes, we run weekly restoration classes teaching traditional techniques with expert guidance in a social environment.
What finishing techniques do you offer?
We offer French polishing, lacquer finishing, oil finishes, and commercial paint matching for furniture restoration.
