This small but distinctive bedside cabinet was made by White & Newton, a British manufacturer whose reputation has grown significantly in recent years. Once relatively obscure outside specialist circles, the brand is now increasingly recognised for producing some of the most refined and distinctive furniture of the mid-century modern period.
Founded in Portsmouth, White & Newton became known in the 1950s and 1960s for their confident use of teak, sculptural detailing and expressive modern forms. Their designs often carried a lighter, more characterful touch than some of their larger competitors, combining strong material quality with textured drawer fronts, bold proportions and playful surface detail. As interest in British mid-century modern furniture has deepened, White & Newton pieces have become increasingly sought after, with collectors now viewing the brand as a standout of the era rather than a footnote.
When this cabinet arrived in the workshop, it was in very poor condition. The top surface was heavily worn, with widespread finish failure and long-standing marks that obscured the grain almost entirely. Years of neglect had left the piece dull, tired and visually compromised, the kind of furniture many would dismiss as beyond saving.
The cabinet was carefully stripped back to remove degraded finishes and accumulated damage, allowing the original wood to be properly assessed. From there, the surfaces were refinished, restoring clarity to the grain while preserving the character and age that give mid-century modern furniture its authenticity.
The transformation lies not in making the piece look “new”, but in allowing its original design to be seen again. Once the damage and discolouration were removed, the cabinet’s proportions, detailing and material quality re-emerged. What had previously appeared tired and disposable now feels purposeful, warm and design-led.
Well-made pieces from this era were built with materials and construction methods that lend themselves to restoration, and with the right approach, even heavily worn examples can be returned to meaningful, long-term use. In this case, the cabinet reflects the growing recognition of White & Newton as a maker of real character, and demonstrates how thoughtful restoration can rescue objects that might otherwise be overlooked or discarded.