Our expertise in ceramic restoration is highly respected by auction houses and collectors. Here at Farcroft, we provide the highest level of workmanship in conservation and restoration of fine china, porcelain, pottery, resin, terracotta, plaster, clay stone and other related materials.
Whether we receive multiple items or a single prized possession, each piece is given the same careful consideration and dedicated workmanship to achieve an invisible restoration.
From cleaning and conservation through to full reconstruction of pieces believed to be beyond repair, we restore items to their original lustre and sculpt missing pieces. Original methods and materials, such as genuine gold leaf, are always used to maintain authentic value.
For the situations when a practical or economic repair cannot be carried out successfully or where the item is part of a matching set, Farcroft provides a replacement service.
Compared to other materials, ceramics are very brittle and more vulnerable to accidental damage. This can range from minor cracks and chips to major breakage and fragmentation. With the nature of the materials this can also cause structural weaknesses.
After specialising in ceramic restoration for so many years we are confident to say we can successfully restore most ceramic items. From fully reconstructing pieces through to fine re-glazing & colour enhancement. We can realign and reassemble detached segments, sealing any cracks. For fragmentation or missing pieces such as arms, hands or fingers we can replace either them by re-sculpting or moulding and casting. Using carefully selected materials to suit the original construction and finishes.
In instances where the piece has been broken, we advice to only collect all the fragments and not to try reassembling as this can cause further crumbling and fragmentation.
Years of experience has led us to develop specialist techniques, allowing us to take on many different types of restoration. Using a diverse selection of paints and glazes, we select methodology to suit each restoration.
After years of constant use, the glaze and decoration on porcelain pieces can become worn with outer surface becoming eroded and exposing the porous under layer. In effected areas, we can retouch painted decorations and re-glaze the surface to protect and preserve the piece.
Many types of porcelain and pottery have gilded decoration applied over the glaze but unfortunately gilding is prone to wear. Farcroft carries out re-gilding using original methods and materials, such as genuine 24-carat gold leaf, to maintain authentic value.
Alongside our ceramic services, we are able to extend our experience to restoring antique ivory.
As a protected material, we are updated in the current legislation, always ensuring the restoration work we carry out follows the acts.
An example of our ivory capabilities is this depiction of the last supper, made with ivory panels. Being reconstructed by our fine art restorer after previously treating the panels for residue damage.
For further information, you can check out our Case Studies, Resources & Blogs for our latest content.
