Services

Work ranges from surface cleaning, and the repair of relatively minor losses to more extensive structural reconstruction.  The most sympathetic methods  are employed, using traditional techniques and materials  such as shellac, bone and hide glue,  waxes, oils and traditional dyes.

The advantage of these natural, historical appropriate materials is that their aging characteristics are well understood, and they can be dissolved or regenerated even after decades. Minor signs of use and wear are thoughtfully retained ,preserving the traces of time while respecting and maintaining the original character and historical integrity of each piece.

Anne’s services include:

Structural Restoration

Restoring furniture with damaged or missing sections using traditional techniques such as traditional joinery, wood turning and wood carving. Wherever possible, matching timber of the same age and quality is used. Loose joints etc are glued with traditional protein glue such as bone and hide glue.

Surface Restoration

French polishing, wax finishing, colouring with stains, dyes, and chemicals. Restoring furniture that is painted or decorated with water and oil gilding, as well as lacquered surfaces.

Veneer, Marquetry and Inlay

Replacement of missing or damaged veneer or marquetry as well as the restoration of damages from burns, lifting or bubbling veneers.

Cane and Rush Furniture

Whether your furniture is fitted with modern cords, cane, seagrass, or natural or fiber rush, we can replace material and patterns with like.

Painted Furniture

Restoring objects that are painted or decorated with water and oil gilding. Materials and methods are determined prior restoration and restored or replaced with like.

Wooden Objects

Restoring or Replacing missing wooden objects or parts.

Upholstery

Reupholstery not only extends the life of furniture but also allows for personalization and adaptation to your taste.

Please call Phil at Fine Upholstery for a quote. 087-9694990

Locks , Glass and Plastics

Treatment and condition reports

Some collections may require a detailed condition report prior restoration. Treatment reports can also be drawn to record work and materials used in the restoration process of an antique object.

More Services:

  • Traditional handwoven caning is mostly identified by small holes around the perimeter of the seat panel. Modern furniture (from 1920) may present a groove around the perimeter of the panel. Prefabricated cane weave can be

    applied to these. This method is less time consuming than the traditional hand caning method where each strand is woven individually.

    Damaged rush seating can also be restored to its former glory. Ladder back or spindle back chairs often have a woven rush seat, for example. These are not only very pleasing to look at but also very comfortable. To restore functionality, the replacement of a full seat is necessary in most cases.

  • Restoration professionals often offer advice on preventive upkeep, guiding owners on suitable cleaning techniques, ideal environmental conditions, and careful handling to minimise wear, prevent damage, and extend the furniture’s longevity.

  • When working on historically significant furniture, preservation and conservation are the primary priorities. Restorers aim to safeguard the original character of the piece, deliberately keeping interventions to a minimum so as not to compromise its historical value. This method centres on reinforcing and protecting the furniture to halt further decay, while ensuring its authenticity and original features remain intact.