Meet Our Staff…Keith Griffin

Meet Our Staff…Keith Griffin

What is your job title?
Antique Restorer

What do you do at BS&R?
Restore & Finish/Polish Antique Furniture

What is your background?
I was born and raised in a small town in Ireland. Before coming to Bermuda I spent a couple of years in Toronto applying my trade.

What is your favorite thing/part about this job?
I learn something new every day, and now I am working under Tony here at BS&R. He has decades of experience and insight, so I have been putting my head down and absorbing his knowledge. I’ve learned a lot in a short period of time since arriving in Bermuda.

Why?
Each piece of furniture I work on is different and requires you to apply years of learned knowledge to accurately and correctly repair and refinish it. It’s like putting a new puzzle together every day.

How long have you worked at BS&R?
I have been working here since late August, so just over three months now.

How long have you worked in this industry?
Since I began my Apprenticeship in Ireland, I have spent the last twelve years in this industry. I am 30 years old now so over a third of my life!

What would you say your specialty is?
French Polishing if I had to choose, however in this industry you really have to be specialized in multiple aspects if that makes sense! It’s important to be skillful in many techniques as you have to apply them all in order to provide your customers with options.

What made you want to work at BS&R?
Having a chance to do what I love somewhere like Bermuda and still be able to further my skills and learn was a no-brainer.

Which is your favorite division?
My division! Antique Restoration, however I do have a lot of respect for my colleagues here who are very talented with architectural millwork and machining.

What is your passion in this industry?
Restoring furniture that was around before I was born and will be after I die is one aspect of this industry that is fulfilling. Each piece I have worked on has untold stories of previous owners, homes, and even of different countries it has been used it.

Any other Fun Facts?….
I used to make carved wooden slingshots for target shooting, and even entered several competitions back home in Ireland. I am also an avid pool player so if you ever see me in the pub feel free to challenge me to a game!