Colin Foard

Antique Restorer & Furniture maker

Since 2003

With over 20 years of hands-on experience in antique restoration and fine furniture making, I’ve dedicated my craft to breathing new life into cherished pieces and creating timeless works from wood. My passion lies in preserving the character and integrity of historical furniture while honouring the traditional techniques that have stood the test of time.

Enquiries

An old, weathered wooden bench with a backrest, sitting on a stone patio in front of a black and white wooden shed, with some tools visible in the background.

Wooden bench with backrest, positioned in front of glass display case and wooden wall, in a workshop or storage area.

A partially assembled wooden bench in a woodworking shop, with tools including a cordless drill, a couple of cordless screwdrivers, and a box of screws on the seat, and wooden pieces and tools in the background.

Wooden bench with curved backrest and seat, placed on stone paving in a garden with green bushes and trees in the background.

A white wooden cabinet with glass doors on top and solid doors on the bottom, standing in a workshop or garage.

Wooden dresser with three drawers partially open in a workshop.

Five window frames with intricate geometric patterns leaning against a black wooden fence on a concrete surface.

Partially assembled wooden panel with decorative carved sections and a diagonal support beam on the upper left corner, in a workshop setting with a blue-lit background and tools.

Wooden staircase panel with detailed carved patterns on dark stained wood, adjacent to a glass-paneled door with sunlight creating a shadow pattern on a green carpet.

A wooden door with a small window in a brick and stone wall.

Wooden church-style cabinet with gothic arched panels and a cross cutout door in a woodworking shop.

Row of wooden church pews with carved panels and cross symbols at their ends inside a church.

Unfinished wooden table in a woodworking workshop.

A wooden table with decorative cross inlays on each corner sits in a woodworking workshop. The workshop has tools, supplies, and workbenches with various equipment in the background.

Interior of a church with wooden pews, an altar with a green cloth, and candles, with religious artwork on the walls.

Wooden table in a woodworking shop, with a curved, unfinished tabletop on a stand, surrounded by tools and supplies.

Three empty wooden chairs with cane seats and beaded backs are arranged outdoors on a concrete surface with a grassy background and trees.

Four wooden chairs with cane seats and rounded spindle backs, evenly spaced on a concrete surface outdoors with grass and trees in the background.

An empty wooden chair with a woven cane seat placed outdoors on a concrete surface, with grass, trees, and cloudy sky in the background.

Three antique wooden bobbin chairs with spindle backs and woven seats are arranged outdoors showing restoration in progress

Antique Restoration

Professional antique restoration services, dedicated to bringing cherished pieces back to life while preserving their original character and historical integrity. With careful craftsmanship and attention to detail, I repair, refinish, and restore furniture and heirlooms using traditional methods and materials. Whether it's a treasured family piece or a unique antique find, my goal is to honour its history while making it beautiful and functional once again.

A hand crafted wooden garden bench with a curved backrest and seat, showcasing handmade dovetail joints situated on a stone pavement with green grass and trees in the background.

Bespoke Furniture Making

Unique, handcrafted pieces tailored to your individual style and needs. From concept to completion, I work closely with you to design furniture that not only fits your space perfectly but also reflects your personality and taste. Using high-quality sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship, I build each piece with care, ensuring it is both beautiful and built to last. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or something functional with character, I can bring your vision to life.

A wooden church altar table with arched legs and corner inlays in a woodworking workshop. The workshop contains tools, wood pieces, and ongoing projects.

Church Comissions

Creating pieces with a deep respect for the spiritual and historical significance for each project. From altars and lecterns to seating and decorative elements, I work closely with clergy and committees to design and build items that reflect the spiritual and architectural character of the church. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and carefully made to serve both function and faith. It’s a privilege to contribute to places of worship through meaningful, timeless work.

Five decorative window frames stored outdoors in front of a black wooden fence, each with an arched top and geometric white design, some with weathered white paint and others with fresh white paint. Showing ongoing restoration

Timber Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing solutions designed specifically for situations where traditional secondary glazing isn’t suitable, such as in listed or period properties. Crafted to blend seamlessly with original window frames, this discreet option helps preserve the character of historic buildings while significantly reducing noise and improving heat retention. Each unit is custom-made in timber to match existing details, providing a sympathetic and effective way to enhance comfort without compromising heritage.

“Combining inventive problem-solving with cabinetmaking of the highest standard, he brings both insight and skill to every project.”

Chris Wyman
“Colin Foard is a Master Craftsman. His meticulous attention to detail and passion for his craft are evident in every project he undertakes. Colin’s commitment to quality is matched only by his dedication to customer satisfaction, ensuring that each piece is tailored perfectly to its purpose. It is a privilege to recommend him.”

Shena J Lay

Traditional Chair Caning

A woman with dark hair in a braid working on caning an antique wooden chair in a cozy room with wooden furniture, a checkered tablecloth, and a bookshelf.

By Emma Foard

Restoring woven cane seats and backs with skill and precision. Using time-honored techniques and natural materials, Emma carefully repairs and reweaves damaged or worn-out cane to bring chairs back to their original beauty and function. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a vintage find, Emma treats each piece with care and respect, ensuring the finished work remains true to its period style and craftsmanship.