Picture, Frame & China Restoration Services
Cleaning and restoration is an important part of Gadsby’s service as is the careful preservation and rebuilding of old frames.
Assess what can be achieved by the restoration / cleaning of your damaged or dirty item
Some things are beyond repair. But you might be surprised at what can be achieved by someone experienced in restoration and repair. For the things you really don’t want to lose it might be worth asking for a professional opinion.
Restoration and repair of pictures, frames and other artefacts
Cleaning and restoration
Cleaning and restoration is an important part of Gadbsy’s service as is the careful preservation and rebuilding of old frames.
Most of the clients who have used the Gadsby’s Restoration Services have been unable to find any other business offering the services Gadsby’s provide.
- Repair and restoration of frames
- Restoration of damaged or aged pictures
- Cleaning and revarnishing of pictures
- Repair of china objects (objets d’art)
Painting Restoration
The process for restoring paintings depends on the damage. The first step is always to assess the canvas to understand the full scope of the current condition.
Usually the restoration work begins with the removal of the existing varnish. Once the varnish has been removed any patching of the canvas can be performed and any necessary re-touching of the painting.
After a suitable drying period a new layer of varnish can be applied which again is left to dry.
The process differs slightly for paintings of different mediums – oils, acrylics, watercolours.
Repairing Frames
Assessing the damage to an old frame can take a while – spotting what is aready broken or damaged and what is likely to ‘fall-apart’ next.
The actual restoration work can involve:
- rejoining the corners
- making a mould of undamaged decoration to enable the replacement / repair of damage sections
- re-toning the frame to restore the original colour
- highlighting any original decoration
Repairing China (objets d’art)
After assessing the damage to a piece of china the restoration work can include:
- repair of cracks & chips
- colour matching to the original
- applying varnish as required
It is worth noting that this service only provides a decorative finish. The restored article is not suitable for use in a dinner set, for example.
Repairing smashed ceramics
Fixing a broken china lamp This lamp came into Gadsby's in 24 pieces of varying sizes. The client was sure (or at least hopeful) that they had all of the pieces but until the rebuilding process is complete you never know for sure. The first stage of the repair was to...
White film on painting
This oil painting came in for cleaning and re-framing. It was very dirty and had a white film covering the entire picture. The painting was signed by R. Nash in 1902. Close-up before cleaning Full painting before cleaning Artists signature before cleaning Partially...
Torn oil painting repaired
Idyllic country scene repaired It happens sometimes that a painting gets damaged. Maybe trying to hang it in a new spot and the fixing is pushed through from the back. Or when taking the picture out of storage you realise it wasn't properly protected and something has...
Get In Touch
If you can't make it into the shop (9.00 to 5.00 Mon. to Sat.) then please feel free to call us or send your question using the form or email