Restoration
The Studio specializes in the restoration of period-style fine antiques. We believe that to carry out restoration work to the highest standards, understanding the history of furniture is essential. Each project is unique; each client is unique. Communication at every step is key. Extensive research is done and careful project planning ensues. We pay great
attention to achieving desired results while maintaining integrity to the original object. All work is done by hand and we
use only traditional techniques, tools, recipes and formulas that go back centuries to the time of Renaissance master Cennino d'Andrea Cennini. Only imported materials, including 23.75 kt gold from Italy, gesso from England, rabbit skin glue and bole from Germany, and gesso brushes and re-cutting tools from France, are used.
Specialties include:
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Cleaning, stabilizing and preserving your object
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Repairing and replacing missing or broken carvings
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Replacing missing composition ornamentation on picture frames
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Replacing missing candle arms on convex mirrors
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Structurally repairing broken legs and arms on chairs and tables
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Touching-up and blending gold to match existing patinas
Projects
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George I Carved Gesso Table
This early 18th century table was in complete disrepair and needed full restoration. It took 80 hours to remove 250 years worth of old repairs, grime, house paint, gold paint and candle wax and underneath all of this, we discovered a lot of the original gilding still in tact. After stabilizing the surface, we structurally repaired and replaced missing and broken carvings. Then we filled all of the raised, carved gesso work. 200 hours later, the table was ready for water-gilding, stamping (using a custom-made Italian punch), burnishing and patination.
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Regency Over-Mantel Mirror
Created in the early 19th century, this rare, two-toned gilt mirror frame needed to be structurally repaired, cleaned and have the gesso losses filled. Missing carvings were replaced and the frame was prepared for both silver and gold leaf gilding. Some of the silver was oxidized and the rest of the frame was patinated to match the existing finish.
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Italian Painted Console Table
Made in the 18th century, this table was cut down and shortened for unknown reasons. After extensive research on Italian console legs, a design decision was reached with the client and work began. Four turned sections were created with applied bead work. With some minor touch-ups done to the rest of the table, the new sections were painted and blended in to match the existing surface.
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Convex Mirror
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This early 19th century convex mirror had both structural and cosmetic issues. Due to previous restoration attempts, there was a lot of flaking and missing gesso which we removed and stabilized. Structural work was completed, all gesso losses were filled and we re-gilt and patinated where necessary.
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Over-Mantel Mirror
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This mirror was missing a lot of carvings, was covered in grime and bronze paint, and had some structural issues. Most glaring was the missing eagle/phoenix bird missing from its crest--- only its feet were present. It was also missing the bottom pendant. After doing some research, this exact mirror was discovered in the book, World Mirrors, written by Graham Child. All of the dirt and paint was removed, all of the missing pieces carved, the gesso losses were filled and then re-carved. After burnishing, toning and blending everything to match the original surface, the job was complete.
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Chinese Junk
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This model boat was a bit of a puzzle. There were a lot of broken and missing pieces. Some parts were discovered in
the hull of the boat but most were missing, e.g., stairs, windows, railings and had to be painstakingly re-created, piece by piece, bit by bit. After some cleaning, painting and touch-ups she is ready to
sail again.
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Eagle Console Table
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This console table arrived partially stripped and missing its base. After cleaning and structurally repairing the eagle and rock work, we designed a period style base and added some classical egg and dart compositional ornaments. After filling the gesso losses, and re-carving the details in the feet and feathers, it was all gessoed and gilt and finished with a period-style finish. The carved eagle console sits beneath a wall-mounted marble top.