Rod Larwood has over 40 years’ experience of restoring and conserving antique furniture and interior architectural features. His attention to detail, patience and craftsmanship mean that his skills are in high demand from heritage houses, conservation organisations, prestigious households and ecclesiastical proprieties. His talents include, but are not limited to…
The high standards that Rod works to, his ethos, talent and experience have supported him in becoming a long-standing member of BAFRA. The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association have a strict governing criterion for entry and only accept members with many years of experience and a good depth of knowledge. Find out more here
As a trained cabinet maker, Rod is passionate about traditional methods of repairing, polishing and preserving wood. He prefers to work with natural wax or oil finishes. These are durable, sustainable, environmentally friendly and easy to repair if damaged. When it comes to replacing lost fixtures and fittings, authenticity is key. “Replacement” ones are either found by Rod’s workshop or recycled from discoveries at antique fairs.
Every piece of antique furniture started out as new. Rod is very happy to apply traditional finishes to modern furniture to give it that unrivalled heritage look and feel.
Rod learned his trade in the time-honoured tradition by completing a 5 year apprenticeship in cabinet making followed by several years working and gaining experience in a small furniture restoration business near Diss in his native Norfolk. In order to progress further in the trade he secured a much sought-after place at West Dean College in West Sussex.
West Dean had – and still has – a reputation for nurturing the very best antique restorers and conservators. Rod developed his skills under the watchful eye of the best tutors in the industry and learned how to refurbish even the most severely damaged, complex and irreplaceable heritage pieces.
After leaving West Dean, Rod established his own business near to his family’s farm in rural Norfolk. This was in 1983 and since then the business has gone from strength to strength caring for a wide range of pieces from sought-after collectors’ pieces to family heirlooms. Clients range from private owners to national institutions and each project receives the highest possible care and attention.
For more details please contact Rod or visit the Gallery page to see examples and case studies