Restoration And Conservation Philosophy

My approach to antique furniture adheres to a conservation ethic. This requires an in-depth understanding of traditional cabinet joinery, marquetry, veneering and French Polishing. Treatments employ techniques, materials and finishes consistent to the place and period of the piece. This approach emphasizes the preservation.  
 
Interventions e.g. The consolidation of loose materials, replacement of lost material, structural repairs and treatments to the finish are undertaken with consideration to the function/ utility, aesthetic appeal and value of the piece. This maintenance enables future generations to enjoy and appreciate interesting historic objects.

The finish or polished surface of an antique piece of furniture is inherent to it’s value imparting a sense of history and time. These patinations need to be sympathetically handled. The existing finish is only striped back as a last resort. Generally an old finish can be cleaned and rejuvenated quite successfully retaining an important aesthetic consistent to it’s time.

What is Patina?

"Patina is everything that happens to an object over the course of time. The nick in the leg of a table, a scratch on a table top, the loss of moisture in the paint, the crackling of a finish or a glaze in ceramics, the gentle wear patterns on the edge of a plate. All these things add up to create a softer look, subtle color changes, a character. Patina is built from all the effects, natural and man-made, that create a true antique." - Israel Sack

Frank van Brunschot Fine Furniture,

1A / 229 Robinson Road East,

Geebung, 4043