Restoration - To do or not to do ?

Somewhere is the back of a drawer is a cherished object that grandmother had on her shelf.  It was broken at a family gathering or accidently dropped.  The pieces were carefully picked up and wrapped in a dish towel. Today, my client from a neighboring state brought this to me and asked if I could put it back together.  Well.. of course I can. 

This is the first scenario of restoration that all of us who began by dabbling in the art have experienced.  However, it is only a small part of the industry. Over the years, collectors, auctioneers, museums, furniture makers, interior designers, and contractors have all walked through my doors asking for help.  This is the true picture of a restorationist.  Some of us only do canvas or ceramics, however, in my studio, I have not been content to only do one thing. 

The ceramics lead to crocks which lead to statues, which lead to a canvas, which lead to a church with damage after the terrible storms, which lead to plaster work etc etc.  Now I am practicing the art of globe restoration for antique lamps which has lead to understanding kiln temperature and a new kind of paint.   A client recently brought me glass epernge pieces which has now demanded that I learn to form the brass holders at the end of their bases. 

How to determine if it is worth it. 

Value is determined by the end use.  If you are a collector, you want the book value and the market value before deciding to restore. Keep in mind, restoration is not conservation.  There are objects suitable for conservation in a museum and there are objects with historical value that merely need to be stablized and maintained by a restorationist. In my studio, I advise collectors that the price on an object can be affected by as much as 40% of the market value.  The market value is what they could attain if the object was placed on Ebay or in an auction. Sometimes a similar object can be found on line.  Check if it actually sold or not.  We can ask  for what we want, however the market determines if we can get it.

If there is a minor chip on a ceramic, the value obviously wouldn't be so affected.  A large crack would.  I always declare my restorations with a tag or a mark.  There is no honest reason not to do this. 

Then there are museums.  They are looking for quality and price.  Their budgets determine how far you can go with putting an object back together.

Now back to grandmothers ceramic.  Is it worth it ?  Well,  for me it always is if it brings back good memories.  The goal is to find a restorationist who agrees with your need.  There aren't many of us.  Restoration is a tedious process, equally art and science.  I've been told that I can charge whatever I want because my talent is rare, and I know those who actually run their business that way.  Beware.  Shop around.  Look at their work.  And.. remember, if they are asking too much, there are folks out their that will give you a reasonable price.  It just might take a little longer to get back.  

Any questions?