This is a child’s bureau currently in my possession that was originally a gift to me when I was 10 years old – I’m now 76!

It served its purpose as a bookcase after I outgrew it as a writing desk. After I left home it passed on to my younger sisters and from them to their children, when it fell into disrepair.

My mother reclaimed it, repaired it, and restored it to me when I returned from Australia. It fitted neatly in a part of my flat that was otherwise wasted space, it serves the same purpose now. Although I did give it away to a little girl who lived downstairs from me.

It was left outdoors uncared for so when the family moved away I asked if she wanted to take it with her or if I should take it back. So it came back into my possession in a sorry state.

I cut off the bottom where water had seeped into the chipboard, and repaired the drawer I had some hardboard to replace the back. A coat of varnish in the original colour finished the job to my satisfaction. I don’t know what the original finish was, it didn’t stand exposure outdoors for a few months!