Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd reviews

Ciaran reviewed: Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border

"The chair making course was great fun and even more informative, would recommend to anyone trying to improve their woodworking skills and will definitely be looking at other courses with Bill in the future"

Robert Duncan reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Bill is great at going through a day like this (the intro day). I wanted some inspiration to get started, to sort out my workshop, and to learn a bit. All three nailed! The day flew by - always a good sign. Bill's workshop and equipment (and Bill himself) fills you with complete confidence and he obviously knows more than enough to address any angle you wish to take. The work ongoing around him and the materials that go with it are interesting in themselves and Bill hangs lots of the practical knowledge around that, in a very accessible way. Also, looking at little projects and ideas I had brought was really helpful. I'll be back for more specific work, once I've got my disaster of a workshop area sorted out."

Lorraine Doll reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Had such an informative day and found it so helpful in approaching my current furniture projects. I brought a small cabinet with me to the course which needs repair and Bill helped me to assess the structure and create a treatment plan for it which I have started on my return home. I really had very little knowledge and Bill was able to advise me on the basic tools and materials I needed to buy to get started. Without Bill's input I would have made stripping all my furniture as the starting point (YouTube advice) and now I realise after the course it's actually the final resort and not what my furniture needed. Once I finish my current projects I will return to pick up more restoring skills. My course was taken August 2020 during Covid 19 restrictions and I felt appropriate measures were taken so a very safe environment was provided. Thank you Bill for a very enjoyable day."

Shirley Sampson reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Just spent a fantastic three days learning how to restore furniture with Bill. I took along two chairs which I had rescued and then not had the skills to restore. Thanks to Bill, I feel like a now have a thorough grounding in the correct and ethical ways of restoring furniture, with skills such as stripping upholstery, re-gluing joints, using fillers, reviving shellac finishes, and refinishing bare timber. It's been really enlightening, thanks to Bill's clear and patient teaching. I love dusty old junk, but it has been wonderful to see my 'orrible old chairs slowly regaining their beauty and dignity beneath my hands. Bill is great company, and seems to have lived several lives in one! Looking forward to returning to pick up more skills once my chairs are finished!"

Freddie Raymond reviewed: Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border

"I booked this course having been inspired by Bill's Introduction to Woodworking course and it delivered everything I had hoped for and more. The days were well-paced, low-pressure and offered lots of variety. When there were multiple options for how to achieve an effect, Bill would often take us through them, offering plenty of insight and useful advice. By the end, I was able to feel a real sense of achievement at having created the chair, but also some independence - as a complete novice except for this and the Introduction course, I still felt by the end that I could replicate the process decently and carry the skills over to many more woodworking projects to come. I would highly recommend this course. Tremendous fun!"

Keith Bickley reviewed: Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border

"This was a well paced and well thought out course. A relaxed, non pressured atmosphere led by an experienced craftsman. I already had some woodworking experience but I learned a lot; from detailed marking out to accurate planing, drilling and travishing-not a word one uses daily! I travelled a long way to do this course and I will do so again for Bill’s next course. 10/10."

David Burrow reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Fantastic 2 days with William. Not only is William a great guy and very easy to get on with but he has in-exhaustible knowledge. Best course I’ve ever been on and will certainly be going back to learn more from William"

Freddie Raymond reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I had an immensely interesting introduction to woodworking with Bill, who carefully and insightfully took me through the basics of hand-tools, timbers, techniques and his philosophy of restoration. The day felt tailored around my needs, all of my questions were answered patiently and I by the time I left I had gained a lot of Bill's enthusiasm. I have already booked in to his 5-day course making a Welsh Stick Chair and am thoroughly looking forward to it."

Tracey Hardy reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I had a fabulous two days working with Bill learning the complex art of furniture restoration. Although there is clearly a vast amount to learn Bill paced the days well and my poorly chair (taken along with me to work on) came home mended and strong, and I have now acquired the skills to complete its restoration prior to upholstering it. Bill is very personable and his ethics unquestionable. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and plan to return on a regular basis to hone my new found skills. Very highly recommended"

Daniel Willimott reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I did a 2 day course on wood-turning. I found Bills easy teaching style pleasant and very easy to follow. One thing is clear is that Bill is passionate about all aspects of woodworking and this comes through in his teaching and methodology. I would highly recommend the wood-turning course and any other for that matter."

Sue Envill reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I recently spent two days with Bill covering dovetails and box making. I specifically wanted to learn how to properly cut dovetails but Bill also covered chisel sharpening and we did a small amount of work on the router table - a really bespoke course. I came away feeling relaxed, with a sense of achievement and enthusiastic to produce further dovetail joints. Bill is an excellent tutor, very calm and methodical and great company! I'm already looking forward to further learning with Bill. Highly recommended!"

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Bill worked with me to understand my goals and tailored the course to meet them. I am doing upholstery with a local teacher but needed to develop a better understanding of the wood in the furniture and how to conserve it. I did 3 days of training using some of my current projects as examples. Bill's enthusiasm about the topic and his incredible knowledge meant that he delivered a full, well structured and hugely informative course. We covered so many areas with both hands-on work and theoretical knowledge. I came away with a good plan for my projects and the knowledge to work on them. But most importantly I have got some of Bill's excitement for this craft. I will be booking some more days to expand my skills. Thanks Bill."

Laura Blyth reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I initially booked one day with Bill to restore some Ercol dining chairs. The day was spent learning, in a very detailed manner, about the structure and work that went into Ercol pieces and how to restore them to their former beauty. Bill was extremely knowledgeable and helped me become confident in doing the work they required. I booked a second day and now feel capable of doing the work myself at home due to the teaching Bill gave me."

Dilbar Suleymanova reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"A very useful course, it can be suitable for complete beginner or someone, who is more experienced. - step by step explanation - key areas have been shown and taught in detail - friendly and easy-going approach I brought my old side table to upcycle for use in the garden. With extra information, I can now have a matching with the rest of my garden furniture, and durable addition. I have also received valuable information on materials, finishes, types, techniques, which I can now use on my further projects. Thanks again and I shall be back to change the upholstery on my old armchair."

Ben O'Loughlin reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I needed a good grounding on woodworking tools and their maintenance. Bill was extremely knowledgable and helpful. I will now look after my tools rather more assiduously and enjoy using them properly. An excellent day."

Jeremy Topham-Smith reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I have booked sessions with Bill and it’s been incredibly helpful. The attention to detail and patience has made it a great experience and I thoroughly recommend him."

Victoria reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I had a beginner’s upholstery course as a Christmas present, working on a footstool one to one with Bill. It was a great course, well planned and prepared, and Bill is a superb teacher, relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve had a great time chatting and learning. Bill has been particularly flexible with dates and he couldn’t be more helpful. I would highly recommend Craven Conservation and am already thinking about my next project!"

Susan McPherson reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"An excellent day covering all the essentials. Flexible, relaxed and professional, extremely experienced. Highly recommend."

Edd reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"A very enjoyable day spent learning about different aspects of surface finishing. Bill is a very knowledgeable teacher/craftsmen, generous with his wealth of experience. He is highly professional, yet at the same time his relaxed approach and patience put me completely at ease. I was delighted that he was able to fit me in at such short notice and was thrilled with the outcome; I now feel much more confident in finishing off some of my woodworking projects! I would recommend to anyone and I shall definitely return in the future!"

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Spent a fantastic day learning about marking out, sawing, chiselling and making a lap joint. The day flew by with the help of Bill’s expert guidance and patience! Ended up with a neat six piece wooden puzzle. The day was well planned out and everything was explained clearly. Even had a go on the bandsaw and disc sander for the first time! I would definitely recommend a course with Bill. Will be back soon!"

Spencer Hanley reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Fantastic Day! Started off just about knowing where wood came from and preceded to learn about the many different tools and what they are used for, applied the learning by using Tenon Saw, general saw, plane, chisel, bandsaw, rotary sander, made wooden plugs, drilled and sanded to ultimately produce a really nice shelf out 1 plank and one length of 0.4x0.4. Bill was excellent; patient, engaging and not in anyway intimidating while I applied my ham-fisted talents. Brilliant."

Emily reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"My boyfriend and I recently attended a 3 day course, in which we worked exclusively with Bill to complete a project of our choice. The course was comprehensive and completely tailored to our needs. Bill worked incredibly hard to plan activities/tasks each day, ensuring that we were able to fit in as much as we could, whilst remaining flexible and allowing us to steer. Bill is incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic teacher. The course offered far more than we could ever have hoped and we have come away full of knowledge and enthusiasm! Thank you Bill for such a wonderful course - we would book again in a heartbeat!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Emily and Craig for your positive feedback, it is much appreciated. I would welcome you back just as fast! We had a really enjoyable few days. If you need any help you know where I am. kind regards Bill"

Molly reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"A brilliant course, Bill the tutor is highly skilled and is a fantastic tutor. He is very knowledgeable and guided me through all elements of upholstery from Making reusable templates, woodwork and construction of frames to buttoning and the final upholstery. I really enjoyed myself and feel ready to make more! A great course and great value for money."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Molly for your kind comments, much appreciated. I enjoyed the 3 creative days and you produced work to be proud of. Good luck and hope to speak soon."