In this two-day course, you'll get to work hands-on with experienced restorer/conservator Shane Orion Wiechnik to learn the fundamentals of furniture repair and restoration.

Bring in a small piece (like a bedside table or a chair) that needs some attention, and we'll get you started on the journey of breathing new life into it. Not only that, but along the way, you'll learn approaches for how to deal with a variety of other furniture objects, furniture terminology, materials, tools, techniques, and just a good way to break down complex problems and make them simpler to understand.

We'll cover:

• Understanding wood and how to fix it when it breaks

• Basics of furniture construction

• Understanding veneers and veneer repair

• Cleaning and caring for surfaces

• Paint stripper safety!!

• Colour and coatings

A lot of the course is driven by the pieces that are brought in, and we highly encourage students to not only learn from the piece they are working on, but also to spend time helping other students with their projects.

We don't guarantee that we will fully restore any piece in two days, but we aim for you to have the confidence and understanding to continue at home on the piece you bring in, as well as many more in the future.

*NOTE* We reach out to students a week or two before the course to discuss their piece and give guidance on what to bring if they are undecided.

What you'll get

A solid understanding of how to approach wooden furniture that needs repair, and first-hand guidance on a piece of their own.

Knowledge required

No previous knowledge or skills required.

What to bring

• One small piece of furniture or wooden object in need of repair or restoration

• Clothes you don't mind getting dirty

• Close-toed shoes

• Dust masks if you have them.

Session repeats

This class series runs over 2 consecutive days.