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It’s always fantastic to see before and after photographs for the ceramic restorations we complete. Each project is unique, and the repairs we carry out still amaze us when it’s impossible to see where the object was ever damaged. The fragile nature of ceramics means they can be easily damaged by accident. Even when they… Read more »
Our latest case study explores the restoration of a mid 19th century watercolour seascape, one of a pair and an original Luigi Renault of the Consul Kestner schooner. Our client came to us rather concerned and discouraged after an antique expert concluded that it would be difficult to treat the painting. The issue with our… Read more »
What would you do if your precious ceramic item was broken into many pieces? That was a question faced by one of our recent clients when a vintage cigar ashtray was accidentally damaged. Instead of being one complete intact ashtray as it had been moments earlier, it was now broken into 10 jagged pieces. Quite… Read more »
We are privileged to receive many unusual and rare objects into the studio every month. When Mr Brown contacted us, he enquired into restoring an item that we had never seen before in the studio; a unique 19th century chessboard he had been given as a gift. Our conservators have experience in restoring a variety… Read more »
When ceramic items are damaged or broken, they can come to us in a variety of pieces and fragments. Whether a ceramic item has been chipped once, cracked in two, or smashed into many pieces, we can achieve a seamless result. In the case of a recent enquiry, our client had artwork on a clay… Read more »
When an oil painting becomes water damaged, its appearance can change dramatically. This was especially true for Mrs Pownall’s family painting after it was damaged by a flood through a ceiling, while being stored under a bed. Before the water damage occurred, there was some discolouration on the sitter’s face, which can most likely be… Read more »
One of the biggest causes of restoration is due to damage in transit. When special items are entrusted to transport companies to be safely delivered it is frustrating when instead they arrive needing repair. For particularly fragile ceramics, safe handling for long journeys is particularly important. For Mr Grisdale, his two ceramic ornaments were damaged… Read more »
When Mr Stoddart’s painting first arrived in the studio, our conservators knew that something very special could be achieved through restoration. The painting was inherited from Mr Stoddart’s father in law and had been hanging for some time on the wall above an open fire. Due to the condition of the painting when it arrived,… Read more »
A very special part of conservation is being able to learn more about the history and provenance of each piece that comes into the studio. For one map that we recently received, we were privileged to learn more about its fascinating place in history, dating back to the Second World War when the map was… Read more »
When Mr Peers’ painting arrived in the studio, our conservators immediately realised the potential restoration had to return the artwork to its original stately manner. At one and a half metres by one metre, the artwork is an imposing portrait of one of Mr Peers’ ancestors, a merchant from London. The subject of the painting… Read more »
Over the years, we have received many wonderful seascape paintings in the studio. Artworks showing seafarers and sailing boats, large ships and grand battles are frequent and very welcome additions to the studio. They are always particularly pleasing for our conservators to clean and restore, due to the difference that can be achieved in the… Read more »
By the calming waters of Bassenthwaite Lake in the Lake District, Armathwaite Hall Hotel is nestled under the watchful gaze Skiddaw mountain and the fells. The hotel’s Lake Room is the perfect place for peace and quiet reflection, allowing guests to unwind and relax in coveted surroundings. The hotel has a wonderful collection of artwork,… Read more »
It was an unexpected moment of good fortune that saw Mr Henstock become the owner of an unassuming oil painting. The life of this particular painting had taken a downturn when it was stumbled upon. An acquaintance had banished it from their house to their shed, and when Mr Henstock found it at the start… Read more »
Now another year has come to an end, we’ve taken some time to reflect and look back over some interesting – and unique – restoration projects that we completed in 2018. From easel paintings to clay elephants to model aircraft – the breadth of conservation work that we carry out in the studio may surprise… Read more »
Alongside our work restoring traditional easel paintings, we regularly repair and treat ceramic items. Whether a statue has been snapped or a plate has smashed into many pieces, our specialist conservators can take a look and provide our recommendations and advice. This is just what happened when we received an enquiry through for a unique… Read more »
Mrs Harrison’s beautiful landscape painting depicts a Dutch wood she used to play in as a child. The painting was created by a friend of the family over 80 years ago and has since taken pride of place in Mrs Harrison’s home. At the start of Autumn, the painting fell from its position above an… Read more »
As part of a visit to Glasgow in early 2001, Banksy’s ‘Peace is Tough’ exhibition (held jointly with Jamie Reid) at The Arches in Argyle Street saw the elusive, subversive artist leave three works inside the venue. They are of Mona Lisa surrounded by a picture frame and, on her left, a gun-toting monkey sporting… Read more »
A historic oil painting from the Duke of Wellington’s collection was recently discovered in the attic at the Duke’s Stratfield Saye estate. The Coat of Arms hatchment had suffered some damage and was evidently in a very fragile condition. After being contacted by Stratfield Saye, we visited the Hampshire residence and were able to provide… Read more »
In 2015, we were asked to visit the luxury hotel, Ackergill Tower, in the Scottish Highlands after a fire broke out in the Grade A listed 15th century castle. We were called to immediately assess the damage and formulate a plan for restoration. Although the fire had been contained away from the main building, the… Read more »
We were recently asked to attend and assess a property in central London with severely damaged contents caused by the collapse of chimneys within the building. Artwork and furnishings were particularly affected by soot and cement dust. The property housed a world-class collection of 8000 items comprising, oil paintings, furniture, sculptures, personal papers, books, antiques,… Read more »
