MPFC Service 3

Conservation

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MPF Conservation (MPFC) specializes in Furniture Conservation and Preservation. Conservation is concerned first and foremost with preserving an object's structure, history, and value to the greatest extent possible.

After an appropriate assessment is performed, an estimate is offered and a contract is signed. The item is delivered to our studio and treatment begins.

The project is typically delivered to our studio (unless it is architectural work or there are other circumstances, such as a contractual stay to do several pieces at site), and from our studio we do some or all of the following (see Case Studies for examples of Upholstered or Wooden Objects):

Detailed photographs of the object before treatment, after treatment, and all aspects of the process

Excavation, which is careful process of disassembling the object

	Research begins on any aspect if necessary
	Patterns are created, as needed
	Plotting grids and diagrams are created, as needed
	Responsible parties are consulted if there are surprises uncovered during these processes

Treatment / Stabilization, meaning:

	Repair or tuning work on joinery and structure, and also veneers and/or applied decoration
	Repair and preservation of surface finish
	Cleaning, recarding, and repair of innards, as applicable
	Fumigation if necessary
	Cleaning and repair of textiles, appliqué, passementerie, or other materials used in upholstery, if applicable.

Rebuilding of the form

Final polish of finishes, if necessary

Reupholstery, if applicable

Documentation

Preventative Care is suggested, as applicable

For a pictorial idea of what is involved in a project, visit our slideshow presentation!

MPFC prefers using historical techniques and materials, and a great deal of patience and ingenuity, in all reparations! When we require the use of a modern material, usually in glue or finish applications, we use appropriate reversible barriers between the authentic material and the new material, as necessary for reversibility.

We believe the interior form of an object is a large part of its historical heritage, and to that end, we follow the European tradition of conservation and/or restoration of interior forms, with thorough documentation and commentary. We make it a point to clean, stabilize, and reuse all interior forms. For more information on the use of polyethylene foam versus authentic and/or historic methods of conservation, please see our article, To Ethafoam, Or Not To Ethafoam? (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

Click here if you would like to hear more about that dirty word, Restoration, or if you would like to know more about Appraisals and Authentication.

If we do not provide a service that you need, we may be able to coordinate this for you or make a recommendation on whom to contact.

To Contact MPF Conservation, click here!