Our Team

A man standing at the top of a staircase with a new wooden railing, smiling with his hands on his hips.

MATTHEW ROSE

Matthew Rose is a third-generation French polisher with over thirty years of hands-on experience. Trained within his family, the craft has been passed down through his grandfather, father, and uncle, with his brother following the same path. Matthew combines traditional French polishing methods with modern techniques, bringing a meticulous eye for detail and a deep respect for craftsmanship to every project.

Founder
French polisher

Tony Webb is a highly skilled French polisher, trained in traditional French polishing techniques by Matthew’s father. He spent many years working alongside Matthew and his brother in Stratford, refining his craft and building exceptional expertise. Tony brings extensive technical knowledge and an expert eye for colour matching, working closely with Matthew to deliver beautifully considered finishes.

master polisher

TONY WEBB

OUR STORY

Black and white photo of a man with slicked-back hair and a mustache, wearing a vest, shirt, and tie, working on a polished wooden surface, possibly a table or piece of furniture, in a workshop setting.
A man working to restore a wooden chair in a workshop, with tools and furniture around, and a large window in the background.

The story begins in the East End of London, where Matthew’s grandfather first set up shop in Carpenters Row, Stratford — an area once filled with bustling furniture makers’ workshops. There, the family honed their skills, polishing furniture for the reproduction trade and building a reputation for meticulous finishes. Matthew’s father later took over the business, and Matthew, alongside his brother, learned the art of polishing the traditional way: working side by side, mastering the craft piece by piece.

Interior of a luxurious home with a grand staircase, round seating area with a round table and floral arrangement, large windows with curtains, and modern chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

In 2010, Matthew chose to take the family tradition forward in a new direction he founded The French Polishing Company. Since then, he has worked on everything from elegant bars and boardroom tables for corporate clients to bespoke residential projects, always with the same dedication to high standards and exceptional finishes that have defined the family’s name for generations.

Today, Matthew and his team continue to blend heritage techniques with a modern eye, creating finishes that are timeless, refined, and built to last — keeping alive the legacy of craftsmanship that began in Stratford all those years ago.

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Wooden staircase with a small seating area at the bottom, next to a white door and a vacuum hose on the floor.

“Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome.”

— Former Customer