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In this fascinating episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast, host Vincent Reed invites his mentor and friend, Mark Cooper, a traditionally trained conservator and restorer of antique furniture. The episode opens with Vincent recalling his serendipitous start in the antique business as an apprentice in Brighton's Michael Norman Antiques, setting the stage for the deep dive into Mark's storied career.

Mark shares memorable anecdotes from their early days in the trade, discusses the nuances of restoring period furniture, and explains the myriad skills needed for a successful career in this fading craft. He highlights the intricacies of his work, whether it's replicating a Chippendale chair or stabilising a precious walnut bureau. The conversation also touches upon broader issues facing the industry, such as the lack of apprentice opportunities and the importance of maintaining traditional methods in the face of modern challenges.

The episode is a treasure trove of insights into the world of antique furniture restoration, blending personal stories with professional expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in heritage crafts.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

01:52 Introducing Mark Cooper

03:22 Mark Cooper's Early Career

09:25 The Art of Antique Furniture Restoration

12:16 Challenges in Modern Restoration

17:14 Restoration Techniques and Philosophy

20:26 Hypothetical Restoration Project

49:56 Making a Chippendale Chair

54:52 The Art of Carving and Mahogany Quality

57:18 Challenges and Mistakes in Furniture Making

58:33 The Process of Carving and Craftsmanship

01:02:08 The Decline of Traditional Workshops

01:05:13 Memories of Ship Street Workshop

01:17:10 The Journey to America and Sotheby's

01:31:49 Reflections on Craftsmanship and the Future

01:38:20 The Importance of Continuous Learning

01:44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with Mark Cooper using the links below:

Website: www.cooperandcompanyantiques.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperandcompanyhudson/

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Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

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#AntiqueFurniture #HeritageCrafts #FurnitureConservation