From Antique to Stand-Out: Restoring a Walter Carter Monks Bench

At That Flipping Studio, I specialise in turning overlooked pieces of furniture into beautifully refinished statement pieces. Recently, I had the pleasure of restoring an unbelievably beautiful antique monk’s bench with historical provenance - a piece originally crafted by Walter Carter for Harrods Ltd, a maker with roots in early 20th-century British furniture history.

The Story Behind the Maker: Walter Carter & Harrods

This monks bench isn’t just a piece of wood - it’s a slice of furniture history.

Originally produced in the early 1900s, this bench bears the mark of Walter Carter Ltd, a stand-out furniture maker based in Manchester. During the 1920s, Harrods — one of the world’s most iconic luxury department stores — acquired Walter Carter Ltd, and furniture from this era often carries both names.

Furniture bearing the Walter Carter for Harrods mark is known for its quality craftsmanship and represents a time when fine furniture was handmade with care using traditional techniques and solid hardwoods.

Before the Restoration: A Bench With Character

When this monk’s bench arrived at That Flipping Studio, it was clear it had been well loved:

• Dark stained finish, originally rich but now dulled by time

• Surface scratches and chips, the result of years of real family use

• The remnants of children’s stickers, no comment(!)

• Snapped of spindles, but thoughtfully kept in the seat storage

• and coffee mug rings, signs of a life fully lived

While these blemishes told a story, they also hid the bench’s true potential.

The Refinishing Journey

My aim wasn’t just to repair the bench - it was to reinvent it.

Here’s how I transformed it into something truly special:

1. Strip Down to Bare Wood

   The original dark stain was carefully removed to reveal the natural grain beneath. Using Homestrip and various wire brushes to tackle the carved details.

   
   

2. Sanding for Smoothness and Evenness

   Layers of wear were gently sanded back, smoothing out imperfections while preserving character. This preps the perfect base for the new finish.  

   
   

3. Whitewashing for Soft Depth and to Eradicate Orange Tones

   I introduced a subtle whitewash before applying the stain, this added a soft, inviting tone that lifts the piece and allows its details to shine. It also keeps it nice and light and avoids any orange tones seeping through.

   
   

4. Re-Stain in Light Oak

   Finally, a light oak stain was applied from Furniture Clinic. This choice modernises the bench while respecting its heritage, perfect for both classic and contemporary interiors.

   
   

The result? A beautifully refinished and unique piece of furniture ready to be appreciated for decades to come.

Why Antique Restoration Matters

Restoring furniture like this isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about preserving craftsmanship. Pieces like this monk’s bench have stories woven into their wood. Refinishing them gives those stories new life and ensures they continue to be enjoyed rather than discarded. It’s also an absolute joy to own a unique piece of furniture made from solid oak – with the price of wood being as expensive as it is these days, you don’t see this often in newer, mass-manufactured furniture.

Antiques crafted for Harrods by makers like Walter Carter reflect an era of quality that’s rare today, and breathing new life into them through refinishing keeps that legacy alive.

See More at ThatFlippingStudio.co.uk

If you love pieces with history, character, and craftsmanship, explore more of my refinished furniture and restoration projects here.