Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd reviews

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."