About
A lifetime with historic furniture
Tim established his studio in 1984, holds a West Dean College Diploma in Antique Furniture Restoration and Conservation, trained at Rycotewood College and spent five years gaining workshop experience with Arthur Brett.
He became an Icon Accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR) in 2000 and has carried out work for the National Trust since 1990. He has also worked with English Heritage and sits on the Executive Committee of the Chippendale Society, where his particular role is to provide specialist conservation advice and knowledge on issues around the collection’s care.
- 1976–78Cabinetmaking, handmade furniture and design training at Rycotewood College, Thame – City and Guilds 555 and 564 part 3, Full Technological Certificate. Craftsman of the Year Award in second year.
- 1978–83Workshop experience with Arthur Brett & Sons, a leading East Anglian antiques dealer, under James Brett and Nicholas Fowle
- 1983–84Distinction in Diploma in Antique Furniture Restoration and Conservation from West Dean College, awarded by the Edward James Foundation in conjunction with the British Antique Dealers Association. Also awarded the John Morris prize.
- 1984 onwardsEstablished his own studio
- Since 1990Conservation work for the National Trust
- 2000Icon Accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR)
- AlsoListed on the Conservation Register · Executive Committee Member of the Chippendale Society · Work with English Heritage
Tim’s work has included several important pieces in the collection of nationally significant, documented Thomas Chippendale (senior and junior) and William Trotter – Edinburgh’s leading cabinetmaker of the Regency period – at Paxton House in the Scottish Borders, together with a detailed condition survey of over 120 pieces in their collection.
Tim continues to repair, maintain and adjust the historic locks and cabinets in the John Rylands Library, Manchester, a Grade I listed building, and carried out well reviewed work on Victorian oak furniture and panelling at the Mayor’s Parlour, Rochdale Town Hall.
Tim relocated to Herefordshire in 2021 and continues to serve clients he worked with for nearly 40 years across the north-west and north-east of England.
Further Reading & Professional References
Tim Phelps’ conservation work has featured in publications and project reports from leading museums, historic houses and professional conservation organisations. Explore a selection of independent articles and case studies below.
Tim Phelps ACR – Accredited Conservator Profile
Professional profile and selected conservation projects spanning historic furniture, interiors and collections.
Read on icon.org.uk → The John Rylands LibraryKeyhole Surgery: Maintaining the Rylands Bookcases and their Locks
An interview with Tim about the specialist conservation and maintenance of the Library’s historic cabinetry, locks and keys.
Read on rylandscollections.com → Paxton House · ArchivedConservation of a William Trotter Sofa Table
A detailed case study documenting Tim’s conservation of an important Regency masterpiece.
View archived page → British Antique Furniture Restorers’ AssociationConservation at Swarthmoor Hall
Tim leads the examination, assessment and cataloguing of significant early English furniture.
Read on bafra.org.uk → The Chippendale SocietyConservation and Research at Nostell Priory
Tim’s work and specialist knowledge of Chippendale furniture and historic fitted interiors at Nostell.
Read the newsletter (PDF) → Furniture History SocietyHistoric Furniture at Norton Conyers
A professional report documenting conservation and archival research carried out by Tim Phelps and Andrew Cox-Whittaker.
Read the report (PDF) →Discuss your piece
For condition reports, treatment proposals, estimates or an informal conversation about a piece in your care.