Decorative Arts

Conservation Services has an established reputation in the conservation, restoration and care of sculpture and decorative art.

We have specialised in Asian and European lacquerwork and the gilded surface since 1985 and have the expertise to carry out extensive conservation work on both painted & gilded decorative surfaces.

All treatments start with research into the history and material technology of the object in question and treatments are compiled with consultation with the owner or Curator as to the required level and final appearance of the item.

The eventual housing of the item is taken into consideration when preparing the proposals for treatment, as this may have a bearing on the longevity of the object.

Conservation treatments may involve cleaning, stabilising and consolidation of surviving historic finishes. Items are treated using traditional materials or established conservation materials where appropriate. Missing elements are sympathetically replaced replicating the materials and techniques of the original object where possible.  These replacement areas are then gilded (oil and or water gilded) and toned to match the original finish.

All work is accompanied by treatment proposals and reports, please click her for more information