About Us
About Fine Antique Restoration
At Fine Antique Restoration, we have a passion for preserving history through the art of furniture restoration. Our workshop, located in the heart of Sausalito, California, is a haven for furniture enthusiasts and homeowners who value timeless craftsmanship. With decades of experience, we specialize in everything from antique restoration to the creation of custom finishes, offering a level of expertise and attention to detail that’s hard to find elsewhere.
About Rick
I am originally from Rutland, Vermont. Leaving Vermont with a BA in Mathematics which I obtained from the University of Vermont, I enrolled at the San Francisco Art Institute where my focus was painting and sculpting. After graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute, I became an apprentice with Richard Gotti, owner of the prestigious shop “Furniture by Gotti” in San Francisco. It was here where I honed my skills on the fine works of antique restoration and finishing. When my apprenticeship was over, I moved to Kyoto, Japan with my wife Carolyn and son Ethan. My daughter Anne was born soon after in Kyoto. In 1978, after three years of enjoying Japan, my family moved back to the west coast of sunny California. Soon after settling in the San Francisco Bay Area, I started my current business “Fine Antique Restoration” and have been enjoying the work for over the last 30 years.
After years of art work and furniture restoration, and by recognizing the needs of my fellow artisans, I designed and patented “the worlds first” rotating easel, the Ric Easel.
Subsequent to the easel invention and during one particularly hard job, I discovered and eventually patented my non-smearing furniture polish, Wicks Wax which we have been using both personally and professionally for the last three years. My family resides in Sausalito, California where we have our homes and our business.
Our Values
Integrity: We are committed to delivering honest, high-quality work that aligns with the values of trust and respect.
Excellence: Our goal is always to exceed your expectations, whether we’re restoring a single chair or working on an entire room of paneling.
Preservation: We view restoration as a way of preserving both your furniture’s history and its future, ensuring it can be passed down for generations.
Craftsmanship: We combine traditional techniques with modern expertise, ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship in every project.
Still Have Questions?
We specialize in restoring all types of furniture, from antiques to contemporary pieces. Whether you have a valuable heirloom, a mid-century modern chair, or a newly purchased item in need of repair, we can restore and enhance it. Our expertise covers a wide range of styles, including Victorian, Georgian, Art Deco, and more.
Yes, we offer comprehensive water damage repair services. Water damage can cause warping, discoloration, and other issues in woodwork. Our team will carefully assess the damage and use specialized techniques to restore the integrity and beauty of your furniture or home’s wood features.
Our restoration process begins with an initial consultation where we assess the condition of your furniture and discuss your goals. After a detailed assessment, we’ll create a restoration plan that may include structural repairs, refinishing, or custom work. Each project is completed with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that the final result preserves the original character of the piece.