Michael . J . Linane
Antique Furniture Restoration
Full CV and references
1977 - 1981 Studied for 4 years at London College of Furniture
Qualifications obtained:
TEC Diploma
TEC Higher Diploma
ILEA LCF Award with Commendation
London Diploma in Art & Design - Distinction
City & Guilds of London Institute - Distinction
Won 'Craftsman of the Year' awarded by Wood Brothers (1981)
1982 - 1986 National Portrait Gallery - Frame and gilding restoration
1986 - 2002 John Chambers Antique Restoration, St Johns Wood, London.
(See reference below). Clients included:
Knebworth House, Penhurst Place, Grosvenor House Antique Fair, Alistair Simpson Antiques, Chicago Appraiser Association (See reference below), Chillingham Castle, Holyrood Hosue, Maggs Brothers and Paul Andrew's Antiques.
2002 - present Michael J Linane Antique Furniture Restoration.
Aside from numerous private clients trade clients include:
The Antique Trader @ The Millinery Works Gallery , London.
Arts and Crafts Online, London
Working extensively for both on English Arts & Crafts furniture.
C20th Design, London.
Working on 20th century European furniture and decorative arts (Jean Dunand, J M Frank, Jean Moreau, Sue et Mare, Paul Iribe, Armand-Albert Rateau, Robert Mallet-Stevens, Emile Jacques Ruhlmann).
References
The Norman Gonshaw Thomas Tompion parquetry long case clock
John G. Chambers, 4 Nugent Terrace, St John's Wood, London NW8 9QB. Signed and dated 22 March 2002.
"To whom it may concern,
Michael Linane worked for me for sixteen years between June 1986 and March 2002.
During that time, I found him to be reliable, punctual and trustworthy, his skills as an antique furniture restorer excellent.
His wide range of ability covered all periods of cabinet making, polishing and finishing, gilding and toning and a particular flair in finding a solution to an apparently impossible repair.
I found his professional approach (tidy bench, methodical work processes) produced first class results.
I have no hesitation in recommending him as someone in whose hands I would be happy to leave a treasured item for repair"
R. Bruce Duncan, President, Chicago Appraisers Association, 1822 Berkeley Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois 60035-2723. Signed and dated 19 August 1998.
"Dear Michael,
I wanted to personally thank you for the extra effort you gave on my 'Nonsuch' chest. I know there were times when it tried your patience, but the resulting job was a true masterpiece. You are beyond doubt the 'King of the Wood Inlayers'. No matter how hard I try, I can't find a single one of your replacements; and I even know where they should have been.
Please go home and tell your wife that at least one American consider you a genius. I now know where the greatest furniture restorer is, and can't wait to scour the English countryside for something like the 4th century King Arthur's Round Table, which I'm sure will be child's play for you to bring back to it's original glory, complete with missing inlays.
Please don't bid on restoring the coronation chair at Westminster Abbey. You are beyond doubt the only person capable of touching, and your fame would then be definitely assured. We collectors need your talents more, restoring our mere trifles.
Thank you again. I am off to the shippers today to send you two bible boxes for your 'holy hands to bless'.
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