Conservation includes various processes which aim principally to stabilize an object, sometimes reconstructing missing material in order to interpret its original form or to prevent further degradation. This would be the case for archeological and historical objects, using museum restoration techniques which are always reversible, maintaining the integrity of the object but allowing it to be seen as it was originally intended.

Restoration, on the other hand, uses the reconstruction of missing material to restore it to its original appearance as a decorative, though not functional object. Again, the processes would be used principally on antique or historical ceramics, although more modern collectibles are often now included in this category and merit equally careful restoration techniques.

Reversibility is always ensured in all my restoration work, taking care never to abrade, colour or alter the original body of the ceramic whilst using hand touching and carefully colour-matched gap-fill techniques.

Accidents happen! What to Do…

• First, look carefully everywhere, even under furniture

• Pick up all the pieces  even the tiniest sherds

• Put the tiny ones into a small bag or container

• Wrap larger pieces, separately, in soft tissue or bubblewrap (Don’t use newspapers)

• Do not use any glue or sticky tapes on the pieces

• Place all into a rigid container

• Pad out the container to prevent movement of pieces

Objects suitable for restoration:

• Pottery

• Earthenware

• Terracotta

• Stoneware (including salt glazed stoneware)

• Porcelain  English/Oriental/European

• Archeological objects

• Tiles

Techniques include:

• Cleaning

• Consolidating

• Bonding

• Gap filling with suitable materials for ceramic body

• Hand retouching

• Modelling

• Mould making

• Gilding

• Airbrushing where appropriate

Stages of restoration

	15th century Archaeological jug, broken into seven pieces.
	Planning the order of assembley, to prevent locking out any of the pieces
	The object assembled, and suspended to allow gravity to help join the handle to the body, and with a linen bandage to tighten ’sprung’ crack in the body
	Completed object ready for collection

The next step

If you have an object which you are considering having restored, then please either telephone me (0117-9556878) to discuss what is required, or email me with details (if possible attaching a photograph). I have suggested procedures to be taken for packaging an item in the section on “conservation and restoration” and we can decide on appropriate postage methods once I have more information from you. Only when I have fully assessed the damage, and the methods required for the restoration, will I be able to give you a written report and quotation.