About
From Tinkerer to Restorer - learn more about the history of Oakes Restoration (Est. 1991) and its owner, David Oakes
From a small acorn...
David Oakes’ passion for antiques and fine furniture began at an early age. In 1991, what started as a hobby — sourcing pieces at auction and restoring them for resale — quickly became something more. He traded from a stall at Hertford Market and supplied carefully restored pieces to local antique dealers.
As his hobby grew, so did his reputation. David’s employer at the time, Melvyn Cousins of A.G. Cousins & Son in Fore Street, Hertford, generously offered him space to display his pieces within the furniture store and the opportunity to carry out restoration work during quieter hours in the shop.
David built a loyal following. Clients would often view pieces fresh from auction in their worn and damaged state, returning later to see them meticulously restored. The transformation spoke for itself — and a question was frequently asked: “Who carries out your restoration work?”.
Before long, private clients and trade commissions began to follow.
...to a mighty Oak(es)!
The restoration work overtook buying and selling and the once hobby/part-time business was now taking up every hour of David’s time and demand for his work was enough to warrant a full-time approach - and so his business was born - and David has never looked back.
Today, David operates from two well-equipped workshops, housing a remarkable stock of period veneers and timbers, traditional materials such as tortoiseshell, mother of pearl and ivory and every lock and escutcheon imaginable.
From the finest veneer repairs to complete bespoke cabinet-making commissions, each project is undertaken with precision, expertise and respect for traditional craftsmanship — from drawing board to finished article.
Outside the workshop, David is a devoted husband and father of four, and a lifelong rock music enthusiast with a passion for drumming — a creative energy that perhaps explains the rhythm and attention to detail found in his work.