Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Conservation-Restoration Treatments

The conservation – restoration of pottery, porcelain and related materials requires a unique blend of artistic application, technical skill, scientific knowledge and patience. At EDGE Lynne provides a professional, high quality service that you can trust to meet your requirements.

Amphora

FAQs

First of all, don’t panic, it is very likely that your object can be restored. For insurance purposes, it is often a good idea to photograph the broken object in situ before collecting all the pieces together. Do not try to repair the object yourself; a ceramic conservator-restorer would have to dismantle this repair, which would add more time and cost to the full conservation-restoration treatment. Wrap each broken fragment individually in acid free tissue paper and number each package on the outside in pencil. NB. When handling the fragments do not touch their edges as any grease or dirt from your hands would be transferred and this would make the cleaning time longer. Once all the fragments, including the tiniest pieces, have been collected and wrapped, place them in a lidded box and on the outside write the number of fragments that are contained inside.

You can either bring the object to the studio or email images with approximate dimensions, then we will be able to identify the type of treatment necessary and associated costs. NB. If you want to bring the object to the studio in person, please ring to make an appointment as consultations are by appointment only. Treatment options and realistic outcomes will be discussed with you and once agreed, you will be asked to sign a standard form of contract. Then your treatment can be scheduled.

The time can vary because it is dependent on a few factors including the extent of the damage, the type of object being treated and the processes and materials required to achieve a high quality and long lasting, but reversible restoration. For example, it will take less time to repair a hairline crack than having to completely remodel a missing hand for a porcelain figurine. Additionally, some of the materials used to bond broken ceramics have relatively long cure times (up to seven days). Often clients want a repair that is only discernible on very close inspection, which may involve applying many very thin layers of paints and glazes to achieve a seamless finish. This will take longer than a toned but visible repair.
At EDGE we use techniques that will provide long-lasting repairs that are reversible and achieving these results takes time. We work to industry-wide best practice conservation guidelines, which states that restoration and conservation treatments must be reversible (removable) to ensure that today’s restorations do not hinder the work of future conservators. Because of this, many of the materials we use are water soluble and none of the restoration glazes we apply are fired in a kiln, making them very much for decorative purposes only.

Simple treatments, such as cleaning and consolidation of cracks and chips cost £30.00 per hour.
complex treatments, such as reconstructing objects broken into many pieces, remodelling of missing areas and retouching cost £40.00 per hour.
Consultancy, condition assessments and surveys cost £325.00 per day.
Mileage, if travelling outside of the Liverpool vicinity, is costed at 40p per mile.

Condition Assessments & Surveys

Condition Assessments & Surveys

EDGE can provide a variety of object assessments and collection surveys to suit your needs. Condition assessments and surveys will help identify:

  • Options for conservation-restoration treatments and associated costs.
  • The best way of looking after your object or collection
  • How to display, store or transport your objects safely
  • The conservation requirements of your collection in order to inform a funding bid/application.

Through the assessment/survey we will gain a full understanding of:

  • the physical and chemical properties of the related materials
  • how objects were made
  • causes of deterioration
  • what their function was and how this compares to use in their present context
  • an awareness of the nature of any previous repairs and their relationship to various environmental conditions
  • the stability of the material of the object

Equipped with this knowledge we can prioritise and define the requirements for the care and conservation-restoration of your object or collection. Also, if required, we can also train you, your staff or volunteers to carry out sample surveys and use their results to produce action plans for the long-term care of the objects or collections.

About EDGE

Additional Information

At Edge your object will have been conserved-restored with the most up-to-date conservation materials. However, no re-firing has taken place during treatment and therefore adhesives, paints, and fillers used in its repair can be easily degraded by warm liquids, foodstuffs, or detergents. So, it is advised that your conserved-restored object is not placed in a dish washer or cleaned with water/detergent. Also, it is advised that you do not place it in direct sunlight or near to a strong heat source. A simple dust with a microfibre cloth is all that is required to clean your ceramic after conservation-restoration.
Handling Advice:
Avoid handling objects by handles, rims, knops etc. If the piece has been restored then remember that the repair will be weakest part of the object, so avoid applying any undue pressure to these areas.
Avoid traditional spring-loaded hanger mounts on plates, particularly on plates that have been restored because of the pressure they place on the object.
We can advise you on how to display your ceramic so that potentially vulnerable areas are given additional support. We are also able to manufacture bespoke mounts that display and protect your object, if required.

Read our complete Terms & Conditions