The Chandeliers at Kensington Palace

W. Thomas Restorations Ltd are renowned specialists in the restoration and conservation of 18th and 19th century carved giltwood furniture, mirrors and works of art. Following the ancient London traditions of fine carving and gilding, the company has an impeccable reputation for its craftsmanship and expertise. The company is involved with restoration work for private customers and antique dealers, including some of the most prestigious private collections and important museums.

Accredited BAFRA specialist member Ray Dudman joined W. Thomas Restorations as an apprentice woodcarver in 1974 at the age of 16.  Ten years later he was appointed a director and after thirty-six years with the company, Ray became the new owner in 2010.

As part of recent restoration work at Kensington Palace Ray and his team were commissioned to reproduce four 18th century chandeliers to hang in the State Apartments. It has taken four years to complete the chandelier project, in which the items were researched, designed and crafted from scratch, with only one visual record and a few descriptions to go on. The carved and gilded chandeliers now hang in the King’s Drawing Room at Kensington for the first time in nearly two centuries.