The primary conservation challenges often stem from improper storage in unfavourable environments, including exposure to inclement weather, erosion, rain, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and pest infestation. Our objective in restoring objects is to safeguard sculptures and artifacts, preserving both their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
Cleaning
Removal of dirt, grime, and pollution is a crucial step of the restoration process. We use specialised techniques and solutions to clean surfaces without causing harm to the finish of the object.
Cracks and flaking consolidation
Loose or failing joins can be reinforced and stabilised to ensure the structure of the object is in good condition and avoid continued deterioration.
Removal of old repairs
Sculptures, especially the ones that live outdoors can suffer from rain, and UV light exposure, speeding up the ageing of old repairs. Our team will carefully remove old adhesives and restorations to prepare the object for the next step, recreation of missing parts and consolidation.
Recreation of missing details
Our team will recreate and re-adhere broken areas with historically appropriate techniques, where the original is missing.
Retouching
We will in-paint or retouch areas where paint loss or scratches have occurred, using carefully matched pigments to seamlessly integrate the restoration with the original artwork.
Gilding and patina
The goal of adding a patina is to make the restoration work visually harmonious with the surrounding original paint without compromising on reversibility.