Restoration

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©MPF Conservation

Clipart by Microsoft

RESTORATION is a dirty word in the business of conservation, however, there are times when that is exactly what is called for, and what is performed.

Furniture is more akin to a building than to a painting, and this means that the integrity of the piece is tied up in its functionality, even if it is a museum piece and never utilized except to view. When the structural integrity of an object is compromised, it must be fixed, or eventually it will be unrecognizable! When the finish of an object has been compromised to the point where the object is no longer protected from deterioration, it must be repaired. When a piece of upholstered furniture has lost its upholstery, it should be upholstered, unless the bare frame has historical significance that will be exciting on exhibit!

Pieces in private homes need to be protected and utilized, as working pieces, unless private owners are willing to have their treasures displayed as in a museum. The items should be repaired in the manner they would have been in their time period, using sound conservation practices and techniques, including barriers. In the case of upholstery, if there is no money to reproduce or repair upholstery coverings, a good representation should be sought, and any original upholstery covering should be archived. Upholstery work is completely reversible.

Slipcovers can be made for pieces that have original needlework or tapestry fabric.

There are many techniques and modern materials that are used to ensure the reversibility of any new items, whether historically appropriate or modern, that might be introduced into an old piece, such as:

	Barriers can be created when working with glues or finishes.
	When additional hair must be added we use different colors so that the new is obvious.
	Double tying of original spring ties can hold the stresses of the springs, and must be differentiated from the original.

Restoration is sometime s a part of preservation, especially if restoring the item, in the proper manner, will allow it to be utilized in such a way that ensures it's continued care and attention, therefore preservation!

We discuss all "restoration" practices with institutional or private clients and come to a satisfactory conclusion for both our ethics as conservators, and for our clients.

To Contact MPF Conservation, click here!