We carry out condition assessment, stabilisation and cleaning through to repair and sensitive restoration respecting the integrity of our cultural heritage. All work is fully documented. Every object is unique, as is its use and context, so every treatment proposal is fully discussed with the owner and approved in advance.
Please note we do not value, authenticate or attribute historic objects.
Conservation of Books and Library Materials
We provide a conservation service for a range of books and associated materials, both manuscript and printed, focussed on the treatment of historic books and collections.
Conservation work is undertaken on leather, cloth, parchment and paper bindings, and related objects such as maps and prints.
Conservation of Metalwork
Conservation treatment is offered for a range of historic metalwork objects. The department provides sensitive and sustainable solutions for the appropriate conservation and restoration of metals. In all cases the long-term stability, future use and display of the object is discussed with the client.
Conservation of Ceramics and Related Materials
Glass, ceramics and related materials including enamel and plaster objects can be assessed and conservation treatment performed by us. We advise on items ranging from archaeological material through to contemporary objects from a broad range of contexts. We have clients from the public and private sectors and projects range from individual treatments to collections care.
Conservation - Restoration of Clocks and Related Objects
The conservation of clocks at the College is centred around the teaching and experience of hand and machine tool skills. It is informed by a professional practice-based view of the object. The clocks come to us from a variety of private and public organisations as well as collectors.
Conservation - Restoration of Furniture and Related Objects
We provide conservation of furniture and a wide range of related objects, emphasising decorative surface coatings, gilding and lost ornamental elements.
Please note: We do not teach and therefore cannot undertake conservation of paintings, plastics, or textiles.
