A Mahogany William IV work table

• Woodworm to the base and top frame
• Loose veneer around base
• Chipped and missing pieces of veneer to the base and main frame
• Loose top
• Missing drawer divides and loose base
• Missing drawer lock
• Missing work box and frame
• Broken bun foot
• All four corners of top section badly worn
• Missing decorative corner brackets
• Decayed polish throughout

The first step was to treat the infected woodworm to prevent it from spreading. The loose veneer was removed and reglued and the missing veneer was replaced with old period veneers to match. The original broken bun foot was hand turned to match exactly and the original castor and screws fixed to the new foot. The drawer base was secured and the missing compartments replaced and a period lock was fitted to the drawer front. All four corners of the top frame were repaired and new corner brackets hand cut out of period timber, these were then assembled and the top re-glued.

The most challenging part of this project was the missing work box and frame. Using reference books and existing markings on the piece the size and shape were determined. The frame was made from period mahogany and the box from 3 mm ply to enable it to bend to the desired shape.

Once all of the repairs had been done the polish was carefully cleaned making sure not to remove the original patina. The repairs were coloured out using pigments and the whole piece french polished and waxed. Finally the drawer was lined with silk paper and the box lined with silk on the inside and pleated on the outside.