There is often some confusion over the differences between conservation and restoration.

Generally, conservation is the practice of preserving what remains of an object and taking steps to slow its deterioration as much as possible. Restoration often involves replacing missing or broken parts and retouching repairs to match the original.

For qualified conservators, these two disciplines go hand-in-hand. In all cases, strict professional ethics apply - any treatments used have to do no damage to the object and must be as reversible as possible.

These are the ethics we apply to every object we care for.

All materials employed are museum and conservation grade and we are university trained and qualified in their use, having more than 30 years combined experience.

We can care for a wide range of objects and materials including:

• Ceramics of all types
  • Glass - including leaded and foiled stained glass
    • Teddy bears and dolls
      • Bone and ivory
        • Metals of all types
          • Wood and surface finishes
            • Prints on paper

Complex objects composed of more than one material are a speciality, as are gold-leaf gilding and chair re-caning/rushing, using traditional materials and techniques.

We undertake work for private clients, antique businesses, museums and public collections. Fees are reasonable, and detailed estimates and records of treatment are always provided.

An object doesn't need to be monetarily valuable or old to be worthy of professional restoration, if it's precious to you that's all that counts.