Mark Coray served a five year apprenticeship in cabinet making under John Makepeace at Parnham House in Dorset.  During his apprenticeship he successfully completed the City & Guilds course in Furniture Studies at Brunel College, Bristol with distinction, gaining the Gordon Russell prize.

Mark continued his training at the prestigious West Dean College in Chichester, West Sussex, where he gained a distinction in Antique Furniture Restoration & Conservation and was awarded the Geoffrey Moss prize.

It was here that he was able to develop and refine his natural talents and work on some of the countries best antique and historic furniture.

His affinity for restoration and conservation, using traditional methods and attention to detail, has earned Mark the coveted membership of ‘The British Antique Furniture Restorers Association Ltd’ (BAFRA) which he has been a fully accredited member since 1998.

Along with being a highly regarded restorer and conservator, Mark also has over 20 years of part-time teaching experience. He offers a selection of short courses at various times of the year, covering some of the basic but vital skills required for any woodworking or restoration project.