FAQs on Pottery Repairs and Restoration
Most questions about pottery restoration and repair fall into the following categories: When to Repair?, The Repair process?, After Repair?
When To Repair?
Q: The damage is not too bad, should I do a temporary repair myself and think about professional repair later?
No! The process of pottery repair or pottery restoration, whether for conservation or restoration, is complex and unwitting attempts at repair with the glue that is to hand will inevitably lead to a much greater potential cost later when the damage caused by an amateur repair has to be undone.
Q: What do I do if valuable items get broken (into pieces)?
Don’t panic. Don’t be tempted to do a quick and “temporary” repair. Simply collect all of the pieces and pack them separately using a suitable material, like bubble wrap, and carefully box up. Then seek professional advice.
Q: My antique vase has visible wiring holding it together. Should I have it repaired?
Not necessarily. There is a difference between “conservation” and “restoration” and the conservation process (often followed in museums) seeks to keep as much of the original piece together, and is quite happy to show the “life” of the piece, often demonstrating its antiquity. If you wish to change your conserved piece to a restored piece and look as it did when new, then a different process is followed. Professional advice on value should be sought before moving down this path.
The Repair Process
Q: Can I get an estimate before sending the piece?
After an exchange of information we can give a range of possible costs, but obviously we have to physically examine the piece to determine its condition and any previous repair work before committing to a final estimate.
Q: Can Fine China items like plates be used after repair?
If a restoration process is chosen, the finished item will appear aesthetically as new but will be for decorative purposes only. The original item was fired whereas the restored item will not be.
Q: How long will the repair process take?
That depends on how difficult it is. Usually we aim to turn work around within 12 weeks, but this is subject to workload and circumstances. An estimate of time will be given on examination together with the estimate of cost.
Q: What if there are bits missing?
Don’t worry, we can mould and install the missing pieces in the restoration process.
Q: What if the previous pottery restoration was poorly done?
This does not prevent a good repair but it does mean more work in undoing the previous work before beginning the restoration.
Q: Shipping
We will advise you on exactly how to send the article to us as part of the estimate exercise.
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