BBC's 'The Repair Shop'

14 March 2023

Influencing Trends in Furniture Restoration

Over the past few years, the BBC's television series 'The Repair Shop' has gained a huge following among viewers who are fascinated by the art of furniture restoration. The show features a team of skilled artisans who take their time to carefully examine each item and develop a restoration plan that will preserve its history and character. Like us they use traditional techniques and materials wherever possible, and the results are often breath-taking. As a result, the show has had a significant influence on trends in furniture restoration, inspiring a renewed interest in traditional techniques and craftsmanship.

 

'The Repair Shop' has helped to popularize the use of traditional restoration techniques. Rather than relying on modern methods and materials, the artisans on the show often use time-honoured methods such as hand-carving, gilding, and marquetry to restore antique and vintage pieces to their original condition. This has led to a renewed appreciation for the artistry and skill required to produce these pieces.

 

'The Repair Shop' has helped to promote is the idea of upcycling and repurposing. Many of the objects featured on the show are not only restored to their former glory but are also given a new lease on life by being repurposed into something entirely different. For example, an old wooden chest might be transformed into a stylish coffee table, or a set of vintage chairs might be reupholstered and given a new lease on life. This has helped to promote a more sustainable approach to furniture restoration, encouraging people to see the potential in old and discarded objects rather than simply throwing them away. We'd be delighted to help with your next project, simply fill in the contact form to get started.

 

Many of the people who bring their items to be restored have a deep emotional connection to them. The items often have sentimental value and seeing them restored to their former glory can be an emotional experience.  As with the team at The Repair Shop we are always respectful of this emotional connection and takes great care to honour it.

 

'The Repair Shop' is an exceptional television program that is both entertaining and educational. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of skilled restoration and provides a heart-warming reminder of the value of cherished objects and the memories they hold. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!



 

by 0064775237 31 October 2025
At Kendal Restoration, we believe that every frame should reflect not only the beauty of the object it holds, but the integrity of the materials behind it. That’s why we choose to work with suppliers who share our values—craftsmanship, responsibility, and care for the planet. Two of our most trusted partners, Lion Picture Framing and Larson-Juhl, are leading the way in sustainable sourcing. Their commitment to ethical practices ensures that every moulding, mount, and material we use is as thoughtful as the restoration itself. Lion Picture Framing: Practical Sustainability with a Local Focus Lion PF has built its reputation on quality and innovation, with sustainability woven into its operations. Their approach is grounded in transparency and practicality, making it easy for framers and restorers to make responsible choices. • FSC-certified timber: Lion prioritises mouldings made from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests. This ensures that every frame supports long-term forest health and biodiversity. • Low-impact finishes: Many of their products use water-based or low-VOC coatings, reducing harmful emissions and improving indoor air quality. • Efficient packaging: Lion uses recyclable and minimal packaging, helping reduce waste across the supply chain. • UK-based distribution: By sourcing and distributing locally where possible, Lion reduces transport emissions and supports British manufacturing. Their sustainability efforts are practical and accessible, allowing small workshops like ours to make better choices without compromising on quality. Larson-Juhl: Global Leadership in Ethical Framing As one of the world’s largest framing suppliers, Larson-Juhl brings scale and influence to sustainable sourcing. Their commitment spans continents, with a focus on long-term environmental stewardship. • Certified wood sourcing: Larson-Juhl uses FSC and PEFC-certified timber across its product lines, ensuring traceability and ethical forestry practices. • Eco-conscious manufacturing: Their facilities are designed to minimise energy use, with many operating on renewable energy and implementing waste-reduction programmes. • Recycled and sustainable mouldings: Larson-Juhl offers mouldings made from recycled materials and sustainably harvested wood, combining style with responsibility. • Reforestation and conservation: Through partnerships and internal initiatives, they actively support tree planting and forest conservation efforts worldwide. Their global reach allows them to set high standards across the industry, and we’re proud to bring their products into our local projects. What This Means for Our Clients When you choose Kendal Restoration, you’re not just investing in craftsmanship—you’re supporting a supply chain that values sustainability, ethics, and transparency. Whether we’re framing a family heirloom or a contemporary print, we select materials that reflect your values and ours. • You receive a product made from responsibly sourced wood • You support suppliers who care about the planet and future generations • You enjoy a frame that’s beautiful, durable, and ethically made Sustainability in framing isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. By partnering with Lion PF and Larson-Juhl, we ensure that every detail of your restoration is rooted in care, from the materials we choose to the stories we help preserve. At Kendal Restoration, framing with purpose means framing with integrity.
Hamilton Billiards Showroom
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by 0064775237 11 July 2025
Not everything fits inside a neat rectangle and at Kendals Framing , that’s exactly where the challenge (and the creativity) begins. Whether it’s a vintage tennis racket, a curved heirloom brooch, or a badge collection that sprawls in asymmetrical glory, our custom-shaped mounts are designed to cradle objects that defy convention. Framing Challenges We Solve Here are some examples of what we’re asked to frame and how shaped mounts bring them to life: Sports memorabilia : Football boots, tennis rackets, medals arranged in a dynamic arc Tools or instruments : Brass gauges, pliers, or watch parts in thematic layouts Fashion accessories : Necklaces or brooches styled in visual waves or clusters Historic artifacts : Keys, letters, coins or map fragments placed in layered storyboards These items often come with complex silhouettes , so standard mounts just won't do. We use CNC-guided cutting to create accurate contours or layered recesses, making sure each object feels intentionally placed — not forced in. How Shaped Mounting Works The process starts with a visual consultation. We assess the object's size, curvature, and desired orientation. Then: We digitise the object's outline to guide the cutting software Custom apertures are designed to complement both form and function Grooves or multi-layer structures are added if extra depth or support is needed Mountboard finishes are chosen to match the item’s tone — from subtle conservation-grade hues to bold accents for retail or branding impact When Function Meets Flair These frames are more than display cases — they’re storytelling devices. A well-shaped mount lets the item “breathe,” offering the right space around each edge while creating a visually balanced layout. And for high-value or fragile items, we incorporate invisible support structures or protective recesses that preserve integrity without compromising aesthetics.
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