Marcell Engelbert and his brother in law James Edwin Smart were both trained under Stephen Boudin of Jansen in Paris, the finest designer of the twentieth century. In 1958 The Engelbert Decorating Company was established.
Its primary role was the restoration and decoration of stately homes in the UK as well as abroad. After spending an apprenticeship of almost twenty years under his father and a further nine years with James (learning special effects, gilding, graining, marbling and a wide range of paper hanging and restoration of papers) John has re-established the family firm in the UK.
Some of the restoration and decoration of the houses credited to the family are; Absley House, Blenheim Palace, Syon House, Critchal, Clandon, The Royal Albert Hall, Leeds Castle and some apartments belonging to members of the royal family in Kensington Palace.
As well as working for established buildings, the family firm also undertakes work for private clients and property management agencies.
