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Working with
Frank van Brunschot

Frank van Brunschot offers a wide range of services related to the restoration, conservation and maintenance of antique furniture. He is highly skilled and knowledgeable in this specialised area and stays up to date with the latest research and technology. He has a passionate commitment to the art and craft of furniture.

Frank is gilding on leather. A traditional book-finishing technique where engraved brass wheels and stamps are used to apply heat and pressure to transfer a pattern through gold leaf laid on the leather.
Frank is with a client, explaining the different approaches, methodologies and techniques used to conserve and restore an antique child’s rocking chair, which has a damaged woven cane seat.

Private Furniture Work

Modern sprayed lacquer finishes and epoxy glue have been widely and inappropriately used in the restoration industry. Frank strongly advocates for traditional materials and techniques. He uses hide glue and shellac-based French polishing. Both materials are excellent for restoration as they can be re-softened and reworked.

Frank installing ormolu, (gilded bronze) which was carefully cleaned with conservation soaps and hydrocarbons. The small side table that the ormolu is being applied to was made by Francois Linke.

Museums & Galleries

The foundation of Frank’s work is guided by the Australian ICOMOS Burra Charter 2013. ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) is a professional body that sets the standard for best practices in conserving our cultural heritage. All work is photographically documented, and written reports are provided.

Precisely fitted dovetail joinery on a contemporary style chest of drawers. The top and side are a blonde, straw-coloured Oak beautifully contrasting the Deep red-brown tones of the Rosewood drawer fronts and a japanned black trim.

Furniture Commissions

Frank has created traditional, classically inspired, modernist, and mid-century pieces. His philosophy synthesises three elements: the highest possible craft skills, high-quality materials, and carefully considered design. Please browse our website and read the case studies to learn more.

We had Frank van Brunschot make some bedroom furniture for us. He is a very skilled Furniture maker and we are very happy with the pieces he made for us. We would be very happy to recommend his services.

Person Name

Paul Brisbane

If you would like to discuss a piece of furniture,
contact Frank by making an inquiry...
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