Traditional Craftsmanship. Professional Heritage Services.
At Butler & Castell, we are dedicated to the preservation, restoration and care of antiques, fine art and historic objects. Combining traditional craftsmanship with a conservation-led approach, we provide specialist heritage services for private clients, collectors, interior designers, heritage organisations and commercial clients throughout Norfolk, East Anglia and across the United Kingdom.
Our work is founded on a simple principle: every object has a story worth preserving.
Whether restoring a cherished family heirloom, conserving an important antique, regilding a historic mirror or assisting with the recovery of items damaged by fire or flood, we approach every project with the same attention to detail, respect for original craftsmanship and commitment to quality.
Our Philosophy
We believe that the best work begins with understanding.
Every object is unique, shaped by its history, craftsmanship and years of use. Before any treatment begins, we take the time to assess its condition, significance and future requirements to ensure that the most appropriate approach is adopted.
Where restoration is required, our aim is to retain as much original material as possible while returning the object to a stable and usable condition. Where conservation is more appropriate, we focus on preserving historic fabric and preventing further deterioration.
The result is work that respects both the integrity of the object and the intentions of its original maker.
Our Story
It is never hard doing what you love but the real bonus is working with great people - alongside us are a truly wonderful team of skilled wood carvers, gilders, restorers and other experts.
Graham
Graham started young - his career as a gilder began at the age of eleven, helping in the workshops of Mattei Radev, legendary gilder and picture framer based in London's West End, and a craftsman with some of the most distinguished of Modern British artists in his client list. On leaving school, Graham joined W. Thomas Restorations, Royal Warrant Holders and renowned specialists in the restoration and conservation of 18th and 19th Century carved giltwood furniture, mirrors and works of art. Six years on and Graham left to found Griss & Butler, building up a specialist business which served the leading dealers of the antiques trade for the next thirty years - such notable dealers as Apter Fredericks, Ronald Phillips, Stair & Co, Butchoff Antiques, Kentshire and Mallett.
Barry Griss retired in 1998. In the same year Nigel Castell became a partner in the new business of Butler and Castell. The partnership became members of the most important trade organisation, ICON (Institute of Conservation), a move which introduced conservation projects from the National Trust, Hatfield House, Kiffy Stainer Hutchins Conservation and recently, Wolterton Hall in north Norfolk, ancestral home of the Walpole family.
Nigel
Nigel’s childhood pursuits included metal detecting and collecting Victorian bottles. His mother encouraged such interests as a reflection of her own passion for art and painting, and undoubtedly helped Nigel develop his own lifelong appreciation of antiques. Teenage years were mostly spent on, in or near water: sailing, fishing or windsurfing - possibly when he should have been studying…
Nigel’s career in antique restoration began as a gilder at Griss and Butler in 1983, having just left college where he studied IT, computer programming, accounts and statistics! Under the watchful eye of business partner Graham, he increasingly developed and added to his experience and knowledge of restoring 18th and 19th Century furniture, works of art, mirrors and frames.
Graham and Nigel formed Butler and Castell as a new antique restoration and conservation business in 2001 and opened Reepham Antiques in 2016.
In recent times Nigel has found his knowledge of IT particularly useful in the development of our website and social media.
If not busy gilding or restoring ( or talking!), Nigel can generally be found photographing our latest stock and posting great images to Instagram. When possible, he loves to visit the major antique fairs including Masterpiece, Olympia, BADA and Lapada.
Maria
Maria has always had an interest in art, drawing and painting from as far back as she can remember. Her passion continued and she went on to obtain her BA Hons degree in fine art. She joined the team in 2022.
She uses her artistic flair both creatively in the workshop and to handle our photographic, design, research, and administrative needs.
Her expertise lies with painted surfaces, paint effects, colour matching and intricate design work.
What We Do
Our services include:
Antique Restoration
Traditional furniture restoration, structural repairs, veneer work, French polishing and decorative object restoration.
Conservation
Conservation-led treatments for antiques, historic objects and heritage collections.
Gilding & Decorative Finishes
Water gilding, oil gilding, frame restoration, composition ornament repair and traditional decorative finishes.
Fine Art & Antiques Logistics
Specialist packing, handling, transportation coordination and installation services.
Disaster Recovery & Heritage Salvage
Recovery and restoration services for antiques and historic objects affected by fire, flood and accidental damage.
Antique Sales
Carefully selected antiques and decorative objects sourced for collectors and interiors.
Craftsmanship & Expertise
Traditional skills remain at the heart of everything we do.
Our work draws upon established techniques, historic materials and a detailed understanding of traditional furniture making, decorative finishes and conservation practices. By combining these skills with modern professional standards, we provide practical solutions that meet the needs of both private and commercial clients.
From a single piece of furniture to an entire collection, every project receives the same care, consideration and attention to detail.
Who We Work With
We are proud to work with:
Private clients
Collectors
Antique dealers
Interior designers
Estate managers
Historic houses
Churches
Museums
Heritage organisations
Insurance professionals
Whether the project involves a treasured family heirloom or a significant heritage asset, we aim to build long-term relationships based on trust, quality and professional service.
Based in Norfolk
Located in the heart of Norfolk, Butler & Castell serves clients throughout East Anglia and across the United Kingdom.
Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, reliability and a genuine passion for preserving the objects and interiors that connect us to the past.
Our Commitment
Every project entrusted to us is treated with the utmost care and respect.
We understand that antiques and historic objects often hold financial, historical and sentimental value. Our responsibility is not only to restore and preserve them, but also to ensure that they can continue to be appreciated and enjoyed for generations to come.
Preserving the past.
Protecting the future.