Edwardian Oak Desk Restoration - EP.1

The first video in a series showing the step-by-step restoration of an antique Edwardian oak writing desk by English antique furniture restorer Simon Gilboy at Gilboys in Devon UK.
00:35 First look over the desk to assess the restoration work required
01:01 Inspecting the tambour unit (roll-top)
02:10 Inspecting the fitted interior
02:30 Revealing the secret/discrete pen trays and corner brackets
03:00 Discovering the original lock
03:33 Discussing the client's requirements
04:10 Inspecting the back of the desk
05:37 Inspecting the drawers - and the mystery of the missing drawer
08:12 Simon discovers some old paperwork and a receipt in the bottom drawer
Part Two: • Antique Edwardian Desk...
Find out more about Gilboys: gilboys.co.uk

[@Cradley684]

Look forward to that, have a nice day !!!.

[@nvartanian]

Looking forward to this restoration.

[@kayjohnson3725]

Looking forward to more of these videos really enjoy them

[@bandgeeklee82]

Really looking forward to this 😀

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Wow! That's a big job. Good luck with it and I look forward to upcoming videos.

[@angelinaklineburgess5286]

Love your work !

[@GilboysRestoration]

Thank you.

[@karenroblox8150]

I have that desk!!!!! With the shade thing, except, the draw handles on mine are different and the draws are bigger and it has less shelves, but bigger shelves and it has a thing on the bottom, where you have the chair and mine is more detailed

[@peetkoolstra3891]

When I looked at the desk I got already ideas to transfer it to a computer desk, but keep it in style. The missing draw as a keyboard place, the plate right or left, as a mouse board. The computer and printer in the draws. And a pop-up screen. And if you don't use it, it looks like it is a original desk.

[@gwendolynwehage6336]

Wow this is my desk!!!! Someone gave it to me free!

[@kevinshort3483]

Thought I was about to watch a restoration. All I saw was a guy rummaging through an old desk. That's you tube for you !

[@GilboysRestoration]

Don't Worry Kevin, stay tuned for the next episode and you'll see some restoration!

[@xw6968]

Its not bad at all, even the keys and locks are there. I wouldnt even put the middle big draw back , if it was a draw. Leg highed would maybe become a problem. But stripping it, its not a light color equal pannel desk so you will still say different colors i think.

[@kentuckylady2990]

Would love to have a desk like that for my genealogy research

[@MIGUELTORRES-fp2hm]

I have one in very good shape, I'm planning on restoring it

[@mattyb9137]

Thanks for Sharing the Video - great information...What would you recommend for a 1960's Teak Office desk to keep the Wood desktop maintained ie the ones with a Leather green inlay ... where my hands are constantly touching ect..Would a Teak Denmark oil be best or a to apply a Varnish.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Mattyb If you are talking about maintaining an existing finish then using this : gilboys.co.uk/collections/wood-polish-jars-kits/products/beeswax-furniture-polishing-kit-ag will be your best option. Anything other than a wax polish will mean you are applying a converting film coating to the surface. ( which means you are altering the original finish. It also wont adhere very well as you will be applying it over an existing finish) Kind regards Simon

[@panloon7776]

I have this, without the top

[@GilboysRestoration]

I think this was a common conversion. Removing the top to create an open top desk. ✅

[@favclassisspy9478]

Any recommendations for how to get into restoration? Don't have much of a background but I've been doing some DIY refinishing projects and I'm going to do a woodworking taster course to see how I get on. Am keen to see how this project goes!

[@GilboysRestoration]

In the UK furniture restoration companies are few and far between, In fact in the southwest of England we are (or at least we were the largest independent restoration company). We've taken on a few apprentices over the years and trained them up. So you may find that there is someone somewhere willing to take you on and help you build your skillset. Alternatively you can always go it alone as Simon did when he started out some 25 years ago. i would suggest at first only take on work that you feel comfortable that you can complete but never be afraid to push your own boundaries and teach yourself new things. Thank You. We're currently filming for the second episode right now which will show the repair processes.

[@favclassisspy9478]

@@GilboysRestoration Briliant, thanks a lot. I hope restoration will become more popular with the move towards sustainability these days.

[@paullyons4624]

Looking forward to the next episode. Early 1900’s would make it Victorian would it not?

[@lesleystratton2635]

Strictly speaking as Queen Victoria died in 1901, anything after that time is Edwardian, named after her son Edward VII, who reined between 1901-1910

[@sooth15]

Really sad to hear that the client wants it to be stripped and refinished to look more light and trendy rather than saving the beautiful original shellac finish. I guess it's better than wanting to just paint it blue or grey.

[@paullyons4624]

JC I do agree but making it look more modern is still saving it from the tip

[@GilboysRestoration]

Sadly in this case the back and side were the only part where the original finish was actually intact. For the most part water has destroyed the original finish.

[@carolallison9685]

On the bright side, not a drop of that disgusting chalk paint was used. Im not opposed to painted furniture, especially for mass produced or even shaker, since that would have been painted originally, but i absolutely hate chalk paint and am sick of seeing it on every piece at my local antique stores. Thank god that trend is starting to die. May it rest in hell where it belongs lol.

[@kriddie88]

@@carolallison9685 Totally agree. I shudder thinking of how many wonderful pieces have had their historical character defiled by that stuff.

[@tutsee123]

I have one, can I contact you for restoration. How much are theses worth.

[@GrimmGhost]

Wondering why making a false drawer front is a consideration to making a whole drawer?

[@GilboysRestoration]

Sadly because costs of real world restoration come in to play.

[@GrimmGhost]

@@GilboysRestoration Makes sense. Can't stay in business if you don't stay within the restrictions of your budget and time table.

[@terencekreft482]

Less talk more do.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi Terrence, This is just the introductory episode. Go and watch the second episode theres 45 mins of 'Do' for you to enjoy !

[@1959Berre]

Yikes, that looks like a train wreck.

[@GilboysRestoration]

Hi 1959Berre It's bad! but not as bad as it might have been.. We are just filming the repairs right now. Many thanks for watching,:-)

[@gr328]

That could be a beauty - I have a pre-war Thomas Wallis that looks very similar in style...

[@PapiSmerf]

Not bad at all. He could've found some rat nests in the drawers and the associated damage that comes with them.

[@michoish9476]

I lost the will to live......too faffy

[@hornetobiker]

Not another one. Why make your video unwatchable with porn music? To what end?

[@soneyliston7902]

Busy doing nothing... just talking