At Corum, our interest in homes extends well beyond the walls themselves. The objects within them, the stories they carry, and the people who give them new life all contribute to the character of a place.
That spirit of thoughtful restoration is at the heart of Battlefield Restoration, a Glasgow-based studio dedicated to rescuing and reimagining furniture and architectural pieces that might otherwise be lost. Founded on a belief in sustainability, craftsmanship and the enduring value of well-made things, the business has quietly built a following among those who appreciate objects with history.
We recently spoke with the founder about how a simple idea evolved into a thriving restoration studio, the role of community in shaping its identity, and why giving objects a second life can transform the way we think about the homes we live in.
Your journey began with an idea inspired by sustainable practices in New Zealand. How did that initial spark evolve into the vision of Battlefield Restoration we see today?
The seed was planted when I realised it would be an uphill battle to convince our local council that this was a viable idea. With my background, I knew I needed to formulate a plan of action; I started looking for a property that would enable me to manifest that vision. I began attending property auctions and eventually found a site that was being resold after the first buyer realised the building needed major work and lots of patience.
Sustainability and conscious consumption are at the core of your mission. How do these values influence the way you work, curate pieces, and engage your community?
Sourcing is a key part of the plan. Finding items that are designed well and made from materials that enable them to be rebuilt. It is not uncommon for customers to come in with an item they have kept for years and would like to see “reborn” for someone else to enjoy. These are often the best pieces; they have been kept because someone recognised their inherent value.
Another important factor is the current state of the industry. Repair shops have tended to be either for high-end furniture or basic consumer goods, and neither model seems to be expanding. While a consumer might find it easier to replace a toaster that isn’t made for repair, they are now more aware, thanks to various TV programmes, that many items can be restored.
Unless there is a service available, what can they do to reduce their contribution to landfill? That is a major part of what we offer.
Located in Glasgow’s vibrant Battlefield district, how does the local community shape your identity and support the work you do?
We have a large following of local customers who started walking more during Covid and made looking in the shop windows a regular part of their exercise. In Europe, we are used to looking into beautifully curated windows in the evening, and this is an important part of our marketing. When people ask if we take donations, we make a point of saying we only buy items; we feel it is important for people to know there is value in an item even if it has seen better days. Hopefully, they then spread the word and bring in more “treasures”.
Each piece you restore carries a narrative. Can you share a memorable story of an object that surprised you with its history or transformation?
I went to see a chandelier in Paisley that was for sale because it was missing one of its five shades. The piece had been brought from Italy when the couple moved to Paisley over 60 years ago, but a part got broken in transit. It turned out to be a 1930s Art Deco chandelier, and I decided to find a solution for the missing glass. One of my regulars mentioned they were travelling to New York and knew of a shop that sold only antique shades. Unbelievably, they returned with two such shades some months later. The restoration began, creating a light that was more than amazing, which we then sold to a local person.
Looking ahead, how do you imagine Battlefield Restoration evolving, both in its creative output and its impact on sustainable design culture?
We are continually looking for pieces that have been well-designed, be they modern or period, and not always expensive. We aim to offer pieces that are restored to a level that not only competes with new items in their finish but also opens our customers’ eyes to the sustainability of quality manufacturing. We also work with customers who have an idea for something they have bought, creating a finished product using our practical problem-solving. We often make something out of two different pieces that had separate functions but share a common design influence that enables us to bring them together.
Your work breathes new life into architectural pieces and furniture with rich histories. How do you see these restored elements shaping the character of a home?
Our customers are looking for items that enhance or complement their space. We often find that a single piece with character is the element that pulls their entire interior design together.
In an age of quick replacements and disposable design, Battlefield Restoration offers a gentle reminder that the most compelling interiors are rarely assembled overnight. They evolve through patience, care and a willingness to see value where others might not.
For many of their clients, it is often a single restored piece that anchors a room and gives a home its personality. A light, a chair, a cabinet with history. Something that has lived another life before finding its place again.
It is a philosophy that resonates strongly with the way many people now think about their homes: thoughtfully assembled, quietly distinctive and designed to last.