Many of you will know that Blue Ticking is a family business and I run it alongside my husband John. He's critical to the business and spends most of his time working away in the workshop or scouring fairs to find brilliant new goods for you to snap up. He's not a lover of the limelight believe it or not and gets very cross when I stick a camera in front on him or ask him to do something like this!

However it's clear from the feedback I get that our customers are really keen to know more about John and his restoration prowess! So I sat him down one afternoon and fired your questions at him and below are his responses. (I promise I haven't added or removed anything!!)

Do you listen to music/the radio in the workshop and if so what?

Yes I do listen to the radio most days. Radio 2 and 4 are my favourite, but to be honest I will listen to anything! Helen got me some ear defenders for Christmas that have a built in radio. It means I can listen away even when I'm using noisy machinery and I'm in my own little world! I can also pretend not to hear any new jobs Helen has given me!!!

What's your least favourite job?

It would have to be sanding, particularly the metal on chairs and desks. It's not a quick job and the constant vibrations through my hands is quite uncomfortable.

What's your favourite job?

That's tricky to answer because I like the variety. I really enjoy going to the fairs and finding new stock but I equally love being in the workshop transforming and then packing the goods up and sending them on their way. I call it the squash and the squeeze effect when the workshop is rammed and then when everything has left it feels spacious again!

What's the grossest thing you have ever found on a piece of furniture?

I have to remove a lot of chewing gum, but the worst thing I've found is a used condom in the back of an upholstered chair. (Not for Blue Ticking, but when I was restoring furniture for another company.) That was pretty gross and beyond my job description!

Does Helen let you have tea breaks?

Yes, but she's not very good at making me a tea or coffee. I'm essentially the tea boy!

What tool do you use each day without fail?

There would be a couple. The sander and the hoover because it can get pretty dusty. Oh and a jar of elbow grease which I like to remind Helen of often!

What's the trickiest part of working alongside your wife?

To be honest I don't find it overly tricky working with Helen. We have clear roles which makes life easier. If I were to pick something though it would be the fact that it can be difficult to switch off from work. We end up talking about it a lot at home which can be both good and bad.

What's your favourite item you've worked on?

There probably isn't one particular item, but I get real satisfaction from a big transformation of a piece of furniture. It's exciting to find something that is in a real state and then see the finished product.

How do you take your coffee?

I like strong coffee occasionally with sugar or some condensed milk if I can get away with it!!

What do you like to do away from Blue Ticking?

I love being outdoors and spending as much time with Edith and Maggie as possible. I'm conscious that it won't be long before they don't want to be seen with me! You can't beat a pint at the pub too!

What's your favourite Farrow and Ball colour?

It may surprise you but I do love Lake Red which is quite a striking pink. I wish people would choose it more!

Can you offer some tips on how to clean/maintain items so they stay in top condition.

It's obviously depends on the material but for wood a nourishing wax is always a good idea.

What are you most proud of with Blue Ticking?

Lots of things, but the fact we're still here after a very challenging three years is amazing. I also like the fact we are a family business that people love and that we reuse goods that would otherwise end up as firewood!

A big thank you to John for being brave enough to answer the questions and not getting too cross with me!! Don't forget to check out the virtual workshop page to see what he's currently transforming and follow us on Instagram to see John behind the scenes!