Conservation & Restoration Workshop, by Straffan Antiques
Aim
To offer a Complete Conservation & restoration service that provides a professional, sympathetic approach to your antique furniture by qualified restorers. Our emphasis is on conservation, using appropriate finishes and traditional restoration techniques of the 18th & 19th Century to restore Antique items to their appropriate condition.
Over the years we have worked with many important pieces of Irish & English furniture, often made by the finest makers of the 18th & 19th Century. However this need not always be the case, we often restore items of great sentimental value to individuals, who wish to restore their much cherished articles to an appropriate condition irrespective of the item’s monetary value. We take great pride in advising our clients on the steps we believe necessary to revive or Conserve your item to its appropriate condition.
Skills
Our team of qualified restores are: Skilled in the following areas Woodcarving, turning, marquetry, veneer work, Horse hair Upholstery , Gilding, French polishing, Traditional wax polishing, cabinet making. These are combined with modern conservation techniques to ensure that a period piece will continue looking its best for many years to come.
Service
Here in Straffan we will carry out an initial consultation free of charge. We will then provide an estimation of the cost of restoring/conserving your piece and talk you through our processes. We will also provide you with after care advice to help you maintain your piece in the years ahead. If possible please attach a photo of the piece which requires restoration
Our workshop
Our workshop is located in the courtyard of the old stone farm buildings of Barberstown House Straffan. On entering our workshop, you will notice that the vast majority of our tools are traditional hand tools, even our heating is provided by a late 19th century cast iron stove. Our emphasis is on conservation, using appropriate finishes and traditional restoration techniques of the 18th & 19th Century to restore Antique items to their appropriate condition. We believe that methods used to make a piece originally such as traditional hide glues should be used in its conservation and restoration to ensure its integrity.