Boulle marquetry, named after Andre Charles Boulle (of German parents but active in France during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries), is made from brass and turtle shell. It is cut from a ‘packet’ comprising two sheets of brass interleaved with … Continue reading
Category Archives: Restoration Techniques & Materials
A new back-splat for a Windsor chair
In addition to the broken ended rear spindle shown laying on the chair seat, this chair has lost the lower section of the back splat which normally sits below the bow back arm frame and the chair seat. In order to create … Continue reading
Re-polishing an oak side table
Whilst I endeavour to retain as much of the original finish, colour and patina as possible there are sometimes when this is just not possible. In extreme situations I may receive a piece of furniture that has been stripped by a … Continue reading
Restoring Regency Style Chair Backs
A feature of Regency style chair design is the way in which the top rail doubles as the chair back without the use of a vertical back splat. The design usually incorporates a horizontal centre stretcher which is often decorated, … Continue reading
Using the right glue in the right place!
A key part of the ethics of restoration and conservation is to ensure that the treatments performed are reversible. In the case of structural joints this means using an adhesive that can be softened and the components separated without damage. … Continue reading