Firma RAAF, a Dutch restoration company born out of the passion for craftsmanship in a partnership between Bob Fernhout and Michiel Akkerman. In conversation with Bob and Michiel, the special friendship between the two is discussed.
An acquaintance from which a beautiful friendship blossoms
Both Michiel and Bob completed the craft furniture-making course at the Hout- en meubileringscollege in Amsterdam, specializing in Furniture Restoration. Michiel did so in 2007 and Bob in 2008. After completing the course Michiel started working as a freelancer for a renowned restoration company, where Bob started his internship in 2008. Here the two got to know each other, from which a beautiful friendship blossoms. Through shared interests, passion for craftsmanship, and for fine woodworking, a professional collaboration subsequently developed between the two.
“Between 2013 and 2015 it happened more often that we carried out restoration projects together, but still under our own company names. In 2015, a major project came our way: the restoration of a houseboat named ‘De Zwerver’ anno 1902 and its historic interior that needed to be restored from A to Z. We started this project together as one company under the common name: Restauratie Atelier Akkerman Fernhout or RAAF. Since 2017 we are working at the Drenthelaan 9 in Heemstede.”
Specialist in the restoration of cultural heritage
Bob further explains how Firma RAAF has proudly developed as a specialist in the restoration of cultural heritage: “From 2015 we have developed into a renowned restoration company. Working for governments, museums, dealers, collectors and individuals. A large part of the projects restored by RAAF are from the period 1900-1960. Throughout the Netherlands Art Deco and Art Nouveau collectors and dealers know where to find us.” As Michiel adds: “Expertise and knowledge of furniture art combined with professionalism and love for this craft is what sets us apart.”
Bob: ‘Our external hard drive’
“We find it very important, before starting a project, to gather as much information as possible about the object to be restored, such as its history, function, designer and furniture maker or furniture factory. We use this information for inspiration and incorporate it into a restoration report.” says Bob from their workshop, that is also reminiscent of a small-scale library. “We like to develop new restoration techniques and with this we use all the resources, such as brand new advanced tools. Tools that the initial creator of an object never knew about.” “Preserving cultural heritage for our future and thus our identity are paramount”; Bob closes entirely in style.
