DISCIPLINES

Proper conservation of period furniture requires an apprenticeship and thorough study of the craft used in the original production. A number of artisans often from a number of different shops might have a hand in the project.

A joinery shop may have created the carcass, while a veneer specialist might cover that with veneers. It might go to a carver’s shop for decoration, or to the bronze caster for mounts, a gilder, painter, or finisher might also have created a part.

The conservator must be as skilled in his part as the artist who originally created the work in order to do the piece justice. This is a huge responsibility, and it is why we are always studying and pursuing further education when specialists make learning opportunities available.