Bonjour. Je m'appelle Pierre Gaillot
I’m a French furniture restorer, antique specialist and qualified cabinet maker based in Surrey and Hampshire. Born and raised in France, I’ve worked with wood for more than 30 years, and have lived in South East England since 1998, restoring cherished objects and making clients happy.
Every piece I restore has lived a life. It has been used, loved, perhaps passed down through generations. My role is to honor that history while ensuring it has a future. Whether I'm repairing a broken joint, reviving faded wood, or creating something entirely new, I'm always thinking about the journey ahead.
A passion for wood, not just a profession
From the past to the present for the future - this principle has guided my work for over 30 years.
My love for the feel, warmth and scent of wood is what brought me into this craft. For me, restoration isn’t just work: it’s a way of extending the life of beautiful things, uncovering their history, and honouring the stories they carry.
I love the joy of solving complex restoration puzzles. Seeing a client’s reaction when I return their restored piece is still one of the greatest joys of my job.
I don't just fix furniture. I extend its story, so it can continue to be cherished, used and eventually become an heirloom for the next generation.
Traditional training, international experience
I began my training at 16, studying cabinet making at the Institut Saint-Luc in Tournai, Belgium, where I specialised in marquetry. I later studied History of Art at EAC in Paris before working in several specialist workshops in France and then the UK.
Since then, my craft has taken me across the world - including on-site work in South Korea and Oman - and into diverse settings, from private homes to public collections.
One particularly memorable project was restoring Nelson’s private washstand from his cabin in HMS Victory - you see, I don’t hold grudges!
Restoration, bespoke making and unusual challenges
While much of my work involves restoring tables, chairs and cabinets, I enjoy unusual and intricate projects just as much: re-lining vintage jewellery boxes, repairing musical instruments, and restoring or adapting items that seem beyond saving.
In recent years, I’ve also returned to bespoke craftsmanship - creating new tables, and a personalised tray, contributing to the construction of early keyboard instruments, and transforming a damaged family piano into a console table with a new life.
An eco-conscious, craft-led approach
Every restoration extends the life of an existing piece, reducing waste and supporting sustainable living. Rather than discarding and replacing, I help you revive and re-love the furniture and artefacts already part of your story, reusing timbers and veneers rescued from items damaged beyond economical repair.