RESTORATIONS

18th Century Louis XVI  Metamorphic Sideboard

Before

Shown right: >       
Original veneers were carefully removed (steamed)   from the warped side. After straightening the warped panel the originashown right: >





























 

Mahogany &
Satinwood Veneer



 

     
( click picture for details )

• Restoration needed:   Overall  
  
  Problems:  Construction warped because of moist damage
  
   Marquetry inlay was  damaged
   and partly missing

• 
  Finish, Color, and Condition of wood very poor and seriously mistreated for many years
  
  "refinished" with a modern varnish;
  
  Missing parts: 

• Broken roller shutter door
  
  Cracked horizontal surfaces
  
  Inappropriate replacements and poor amateur restorations.
  Broken locks
  
  Keys lacking
  
  Bronze ornaments corroded and and dull.

***

ENTERING THE WORKSHOP:
Complete structure was gently
 taken apart 

click picture for details
Step by step appropriately refitted, following original structure and design 
 

*  *   *

                          
 click pictures for details
Drawers were re-fitted to glide easily
(click pictures for details)
 

*   *   *

   

Missing parts were re-added: period brass knobs found to match the recovered  originals, suitable to the period it was made,  (circa 1780)
veneers were re-applied.  



 

After

  < Shown left:
 The complete finish was gently removed. Surface damage and discoloration treated. More than 24 layers of traditional French polish were applied. (hand rubbed) 

























Finally...
All bronze hardware pieces were cleaned, treated and re-gilded with 24 carat  gold in the traditional manner. Period locks were found / remade and antique keys were made to match.

19th Century Early Victorian Dressing Table

    Before

 
  Mahogany

Problems:  
Construction-wobbly, unstable 
Finish, Color, and Condition of wood; Missing parts,' Swollen' drawers
Inappropriate replacements

Restoration needed:   Total  

Entering the workshop: Complete structure was gently taken apart and appropriately refitted, following original structure and design 

Missing parts were re-added: period knobs were turned to match the recovered  originals, suitable to the period it was made,  (circa 1860)

Swollen drawers were made to fit and glide easily.   

 An amateurish finish consisting of a combination of poorly hand-painted varnish and a synthetic lacquer obviously sprayed on, to 'hide' this failed effort, a thick layer of wax had been applied. Scratches,  fading, due to bleaching from sunlight, left a generally lack luster surface that needed to be brought back to life.

The complete finish was gently removed. Surface damage and discoloration treated. More than 18 layers of shellac was (hand rubbed) applied. Then the top layer was toned down and a light natural wax layer applied to give the piece the protection it needs when daily used.

 

  After

Louis Philippe Chest of Drawers

Testimonial

      Years ago we bought our Louis Philippe mahogany chest of drawers in France.  
      Now the piece needed a serious restoration. The wood had chipped off in many places, due to years of wear and tear and many moves. 
     We were extremely pleased with the end result. Jaap did a wonderful job in restoring the marks and in giving back the beautiful rich sheen to the wood. 
     We are very happy and will certainly work with Jaap again, if we need some
furniture restored.

Lost Glory Rejuvenation







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Restoration needed:

Repaired a split in side panel caused by the inner frame which expanded due to changing temperatures. Repaired bottom drawer runners to make it close perfectly again.

Replaced  missing pieces of veneer and colored to match.

Stripped the left side panel which suffered severe water damage and re-colored to match.

French polished all repaired parts and revived dull French polish on the remainder of the piece

The Table Clock Story

Before




Brought to us in a shoe box

 passed down in the family, from British origin, the clock  endured several moves with its owner...

Acquired by inheritance: c. 1720
After restoration:  €35.000,00

       This early 18th Century English Table clock was brought to us  for a simple clean and fix-up. Much to their surprise,  we informed the owners that this clock was made by one of England's most important clock-makers of the 17th/18th Century Braunker Watts. Watts was an apprentice of Joseph Knibb and worked on London's, Fleet Street from the late 17th Century until his death in the first quarter of the 18th Century. This clock dates from approx. 1720 and needed serious restoration to the clockwork as well as the case.

        What started out as a quick fix ended up in a major restoration project including undoing changes made in the past, major mechanical repairs, total cleaning, replacing veneer, ebonizing the case, fretwork, silver-coating, gilding and tuning. This more than 6 month process resulted in a magnificent example of timepiece-history returned to its original glory to become a family showpiece.

After




now  shown with  pride on the mantel

 with a transformation that increased its value to a show stopping  worth  in excess of 35,000 Euros

Wall Clock

  Comment:

  "......"
[[Speechless Tears ]

--Cheryl Vellek

Cheryll's Clock





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  Restoration needed:

Partly disassembled the upper structure and re-glued the panels.

Straightened the warped clock face-door and replaced glass. 

Terminated woodworm and repaired woodworm damage.

Re-produced missing ornaments to match the rescued ones.

Colored and polished walnut weight board.

Rejuvenated patina  with natural wax and overall cleaning and shining up

Before

Mid 19th Century Chinese Elmwood Side Table

Serious blistering, water damage and discoloration

Cracked support filled with a wax filler

Handed down in the family we had this table in our hall for many years. Seeing the result of the restoration I wish we have had this done years ago. A job well done.

--Lisa Edmondson

We invite you  to contact us for 
free estimates or advice 


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After

The "later" synthetic varnish carefully removed.

Two layers of natural wax polished
 to a beautiful satin shine revealing
 its original color and "patin".

Removed filler and repaired the crack

Porcelain Restoration

Meissen

This 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure was chipped at the slip of the coat, very visibly.

Although restorations do not increase the value of an antique piece of porcelain, it will enhance the appreciation and enjoyment by improving the personal value.


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Upholstery

Before

Half way

FABRIC

After

Captain's Chair -

Before

LEATHER

Buy before the restoration

Indulge you own taste
 Stay in control...

This Victorian Captain's Chair  was purchased from the DnD workshop. The customer then selected appropriate materials.   Wood joints were strengthened and brought to a luster before the re-upholstering  

The customer exercised complete  control over costs and aesthetic choices to highest satisfaction

We invite you  to Contact Us  for 
free estimates or advice

After

   
Our workshop is a trusted source
 Contact us today to arrange a free estimate without obligation for 

PERIOD RESTORATION
 VALUATIONS
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