WhatsApp usWe are happy to assist with the ethical repair of ivory and bone. Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with a bespoke treatment plan for your antique.
Ivory and Bone Restoration
We have a professional team on hand to offer advice and restoration treatments for both ivory and bone, from decorative items and figurines to carved cups and boxes. We can also assist with antique chess pieces.
Antique ivory is a sensitive material that requires an ethical approach to repair. Both bone and ivory objects can face issues from their environment, a build up of surface dirt, warping and accidental breaks.
Ethical restoration
As ivory is now an illegal material, any missing areas on these items or artworks are created with a synthetic version.
This is also the case with some types of bone that are now unethical to use in conservation and may actually benefit from the strength of a synthetic instead.
New parts can be expertly created to match the original tone and definition as seamlessly as possible. Restoring missing areas returns both aesthetic and physical stability to the ivory or bone, making this important in their ongoing preservation.
How do you repair ivory?
Cracks, chips and abrasions can also be treated and stabilised. Broken fragments can be reapplied with conservation-appropriate bonding techniques.
Conservation solutions will avoid the yellowing and acidic decay of household glues.
Staining can be reduced in some cases, but this may depend on the source and how far this has penetrated the surface.
Our helpful team will be able to advise on all aspects of the restoration process to give you peace of mind along the way.
If you have an ivory or bone item or artwork that requires professional conservation methods, please get in touch to discuss the various treatments available for their safe and ethical preservation.
