Jaanus Pihelgas

Furniture Restorer, Conservator, Furniture Expert and Master Craftsman

Over 41 years of experience in restoration and cultural heritage preservation

Jaanus Pihelgas is a recognized Estonian restorer with more than 41 years of experience in the restoration, conservation and preservation of furniture, artworks and cultural heritage. His knowledge, craftsmanship and commitment to quality have helped preserve numerous historically valuable objects for future generations.

Cooperation with churches, manor houses, state institutions, embassies, museums, companies and cultural organizations has enabled him to make a significant contribution to the development of Estonia’s restoration culture.

In 1995, Jaanus Pihelgas founded the company AS Jaanus Pihelgas & Co, which was reorganized in 1996 into a private limited company OÜ Jaanus Pihelgas, where he remains the owner and director to this day.

His work includes the restoration, repair and conservation of solid wood and upholstered furniture, as well as the restoration of sculptures, artworks, and picture frames. He also has a high level of expertise in both historical and modern upholstery and saddlery work.

More than 5,000 completed orders confirm his long-term experience and the trust of his clients. His clients have included the Presidents of the Republic of Estonia, Lennart Meri and Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Services Offered

  • Upholstery and saddlery work
  • Restoration, repair and conservation of wooden and upholstered furniture
  • Restoration of picture and painting frames
  • Replacement of fabrics, leather, upholstery materials, foam and natural fillings
  • Replacement of spiral and zig-zag springs
  • Antique furniture restoration
  • Rattan furniture restoration and weaving
  • Gilding (22-karat gold)
  • Repair and restoration of mechanical clocks
  • Heraldic shield production
  • Wood carving and custom woodwork
  • Production of furniture replicas and custom-made furniture
  • Furniture appraisal, valuation and market value assessment
  • Buying and selling antique furniture

Professional Activity

At the core of Jaanus Pihelgas’ work is the preservation of authenticity in restored objects, combining historical accuracy, functionality and aesthetic value.

Over decades, he has prepared furniture appraisals for state institutions, banks, insurance companies and private clients. His assessments have been used in determining value, handling insurance cases and planning restoration projects.

Key Projects and Partners

Manor Houses

Sausti, Kõltsu, Aespa, Järlepa, Palmse, Sagadi and Kolga manors.

Churches and Sacred Buildings

Tallinn Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church, St. Michael’s Church in Jõhvi, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Narva, Ilumäe Chapel, Pühtitsa (Kuremäe) Convent and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn.

Museums

Estonian History Museum (Maarjamäe Palace and Great Guild Hall), A. H. Tammsaare Museum Apartment, Mati Unt Museum, Käru Museum and Estonian Open Air Museum.

State Institutions and Representative Buildings

Government Office, Riigikogu building, Tallinn Town Hall, Raeapteek (Town Hall Pharmacy), Estonian Knighthood House, Kadriorg administrative building and Tiesenhausen House in Tallinn.

Embassies

Embassies of Germany, France, Denmark, India and Finland in Estonia.

Organizations and Companies

Estonian Students’ Society, AS Kalev, ERA Bank, Tartu Commercial Bank, Baltic United Bank, AS Sampo Bank, insurance companies and the Estonian Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority.

Work History

1986 – began working in the State Restoration Department’s artistic restoration group.

1987 – awarded the highest category of furniture craftsman.

1988 – continued in the restoration group “KAR” as a wood and furniture restorer.

1990 – joined the conservation workshop “Kanut” as a furniture and wood conservator-restorer.

1991 – further training in Denmark in furniture restoration and production.

1993 – certified as a specialist in historical and modern furniture restoration.

1994 – appointed head of the furniture and wood conservation department at “Kanut”.

1995 – founded AS Jaanus Pihelgas & Co.

1996 – company reorganized into OÜ Jaanus Pihelgas.

Educational and Social Activity

Jaanus Pihelgas has trained young restorers, interns and art enthusiasts, passing on his professional knowledge and skills. His workshop has restored numerous historical furniture pieces and artworks, preserving their cultural and historical value.

Sources of Information

  • Social media and professional networks
  • Estonian newspapers and magazines
  • Cultural portals
  • Estonian Radio interviews
  • ERR archives
  • TV programs on restoration and cultural heritage
  • Official website: www.antiik-restaureerimine.ee

His first interview was published in Rahva Hääl newspaper in August 1979.

Jaanus Pihelgas & Co offers professional cooperation in furniture restoration, conservation and appraisal.

Best regards,

Jaanus Pihelgas

📍 Kesk-Sõjamäe 3E, 11415 Tallinn
📞 +372 621 1854
📱 +372 501 1819
📧 jaanus.pihelgas56@gmail.com
🌐 www.antiik-restaureerimine.ee

Swedbank
IBAN: EE612200221007134855