We are MorganTwells
MorganTwells is a restoration business with a workshop in Matfield, Kent, working mostly in and around Tunbridge Wells on furniture, lighting and a wide range of other pieces, with particular expertise in industrial design. Whatever the piece, our approach is the same: restore it properly and preserve its originality.
Every restoration done properly, never rushed.
Every commission begins with research into the piece's origins, from maker's marks to period catalogues. We then restore it using period-appropriate methods and materials wherever possible, preserving as much of the original as we can.
If you have a piece in need of restoration, or are looking to source something specific, we would be glad to hear from you.
The right material
A repair is only as good as what it's made from, so we go to some lengths to find the right material for each piece.
Donor ebony
To graft an antique Sri Lankan ebony cane, we sourced a damaged antique bookend in the same ebony, too far gone to repair, as a donor.
Bleached buffalo bone
Imported from America to match the colour of old ivory inlay, then carved by hand into new inlay and tusks.
Replacement mica
Imported from the United States and cut from templates of a Deville fireplace's original mica, which fell apart on removal.
Period-correct fasteners
Made to order when original bolts sheared, so the fixings still look right for the piece.
Hide glue and shellac
Traditional and reversible: joints can be taken apart again and finishes repaired without harming what's original.
Renaissance Wax
Developed in the British Museum's research laboratory in the 1950s, and made by a company holding a Royal Warrant as a supplier of products for restoration and conservation.
In their words
Freddie did a brilliant job on my antique dining chairs. I contacted him when one broke but when he looked at them the whole set needed work. He rebuilt sections on the worst chairs and used hardening resin on others. The replaced wood matches the Honduran Mahogany so well you can’t see the difference. We discussed the cost and whether it was worth investing in chairs that required so much work. But I love these chairs so gave him a maximum budget that he could go to. He came in under budget. I highly recommend him.
We used Freddie to restore some Ladderax furniture I’d inherited and the finished work, on both wood and metal components of the furniture, definitely exceeded our expectations. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend consulting with him on any restoration project you had in mind.
Got one of my grandad's watches restored. Top-of-the-range materials and a great result.
Well-restored, rare vintage and industrial pieces.
Very good quality products. Very pleased, and a good price!
Before you ask
Where are you based, and which areas do you cover?
Our workshop is in Matfield, Kent. We work across Kent, mostly in and around Royal Tunbridge Wells.
What kinds of pieces do you restore?
Furniture and chairs, French polishing, traditional upholstery, metalwork, lighting and industrial pieces, inlaid pieces such as walking canes, and cast iron fireplaces and stoves for display.
Can you restore a fireplace or stove so it can be used again?
No. Our fireplace and stove work is cosmetic restoration for display only; pieces are not refurbished for use as a working fire.
Do you take on pieces made from several materials?
Yes, and we particularly enjoy them. Wood, metal, enamel, upholstery, bone and inlay are all restored in one workshop, so a piece never has to be split between specialists.
How do I know if my piece is worth restoring?
Before any work starts, we talk through what the piece needs and whether it is worth the investment, so you can decide with the full picture.
Can your repairs be undone in the future?
Wherever we can, we use traditional, reversible materials such as hide glue, shellac and wax, so a future restorer can undo our work without harming what is original.
Can you help me find a specific piece?
Yes. If you are looking to source something specific, get in touch and tell us what you are after.
Have a piece in need of restoration?
Tell us what it is and anything you know of its history, as every detail helps. We'll talk through what it needs before any work starts.
Get in touch