Titchmarsh & Goodwin Review: The Real Antiques of the Future
If you walk into a high-end law office and see a magnificent oak boardroom table that looks 200 years old, check underneath. It is probably Titchmarsh & Goodwin. Founded in 1920 in Ipswich, they are the finest cabinet makers in the country. They don't do "modern." They do "Period." Jacobean, Georgian, Regency.
The Craft: Hand Polishing
The secret is the French Polish. Most modern furniture is spray lacquered. It looks like plastic. Titchmarsh furniture is polished by hand using shellac and a "rubber" (a cotton wad). It takes weeks. It builds up a depth of shine that is warm and organic. They also "distress" the wood (hit it with chains, fill holes with wax) to give it the character of an antique.
The Verdict
A dining table costs £5,000+. But unlike a modern designer table, it will not go out of fashion. It is timeless. It is built to last 300 years. Your great-grandchildren will fight over it.
Pros:
- Unrival led craftsmanship.
- Solid wood (no veneer on chipboard).
- Totally bespoke sizing.
Cons:
- Style is very traditional ("Brown Furniture").
- Heavy and expensive.
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