Country Images Magazine North Edition December 2016 | Page 9

He said: "After leaving school, I was inspired by my grandfather and father
to continue in the antiques and furniture trade. As well as running a
furniture removal business they both dealt in antiques. I wanted to train in
the restoration of antique furniture, so in 1984 I enrolled at the Midlands
school of French Polishing. In 1986 Heldreich French Polishers was started
from a barn at my parents' home in Longford."

Trust enterprise programme. The Trust works with 13-30 year olds who have
struggled at school, have been in care, are long term unemployed, have been
in trouble with the law or simply need help to launch their own business.
Neil, who met Prince Charles through the Trust, is delighted the good work
is continuing to help people just like him.
Throughout his working life he has gained immense job satisfaction
restoring antiques to their former glory, and he has shared his knowledge
by giving talks and taking part in the occasional TV programme. He was
commissioned to restore a mahogany bookcase for the BBC's Trust Me, I'm
a Dealer. He says: " The conservation and restoration of antique furniture
requires the attention of craftsmen who both understand and respect the
history of the piece. The success of this work is dependent on originality of
colour and patination, and, wherever possible, the conservation of whatever
remains of original components.
"The art of French polishing dates back to the early 19th century when the
craft was developed by French cabinet makers. There are also many other
finishing and restoration techniques which apply to pieces made before the
early 19th century. These processes involve the use of the finest materials and
finishing techniques. The traditions of these ancient techniques are proudly
upheld here in Hollington."

Neil now runs a successful furniture restoration business from his home, The
Cedars, in Hollington. He says: "I love living and running my own business
in the part of Derbyshire where I grew up. I searched for 15 years for the
right property in the area. I needed outbuildings so I could live and work
from the same place. Finally in 2010 I found The Cedars farm for sale in
Hollington, which happened to be the very next village to Longford where
I first started. It was in quite a poor state but myself and my partner, Alison,
spent 12 months renovating it and turned one of the barns into a workshop.
"I have many different restoration projects ongoing in my workshop at The
Cedars — and several out of it, too. One project I have just completed is a
new oak staircase constructed in a 17th/18th century style, which requires
distressing and polishing to match its period surroundings. Another project
coming up in the new year is at a large new build house. It has a four storey
mahogany staircase and seven foot panelled mahogany doors throughout, all
to be traditionally French polished."

Neil and his team also provide bespoke handmade furniture and a
traditional upholstery service. He adds: "It has been hard work getting to
this point but, with that helping hand from the Prince's Trust 30 years ago
and a little determination, I have managed to achieve my ambitions. I can
honestly say I love my job. When I stand at my bench working on a piece of
fine furniture looking out of my workshop window at the Derbyshire hills I
feel great satisfaction."
■ Heldreich French Polishers is based at The Cedars, Main Street,
Hollington, Ashbourne, DE6 3HA. Call 01335 360114 or 0799 0583326.
Alternatively, click to www.heldreich.com.

Celebrating 30 years

“ The conservation and restoration of antique
furniture requires the attention of craftsmen
who both understand and respect the history
of the piece.”
Neil is just one of the 825,000 people across the UK who the Prince's
Trust has helped to become their own boss. It helps young, disadvantaged
or unemployed entrepreneurs to strike out on their own. And it is always
encouraging more young people to come forward and sign up to the Prince's

TRADITIONAL
FURNITURE RESTORERS
AND FRENCH POLISHERS
Tel: [phone] Mob: [phone]
The Cedars, Main Street, Hollington,
Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3HA

www.heldreich.com
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