Antique Restoration
“The techniques and tools of Gilding and Restoration have hardly changed for centuries.
During the Restoration process, we retain the Frame’s Integrity and ornamentation, remaining faithful to the period.”
About Restoration
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Antique restoration is the process of repairing and preserving historical items to maintain their original appearance and functionality. This art involves meticulous techniques to address wear, structural issues, and aesthetic concerns, ensuring the piece retains its historical significance while looking its best through master gilding services.
Restoration involves more than just a steady hand and a painstaking temperament. It requires a good knowledge of past fashion and a fine instinct for design.
The techniques and tools of Gilding and Restoration have hardly changed for centuries. During the Restoration process, we retain the Frame’s Integrity and ornamentation, remaining faithful to the period.
When pieces are missing, this requires that we either carve or cast (depending on the frame) and reattach sections prior to preparing them for regilding and toning to match the original patina.
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Antique restoration typically involves several key steps: assessment of the fine object's condition, cleaning and stabilising the item, repairing any structural damages, restoring the surface finish, and protecting the piece from future damage. Each step requires careful attention to detail to preserve the item's historical integrity while bringing it back to life.
Giltwood has specialist expertise in Complex Frame Antique Restoration.
Ornate antique wall clock with gold and green detailing, Roman numerals, and intricate floral designs.
Antique Blackamoor statue and ornate clock on wooden cabinet restored by Giltwood.
Ornate antique mantel clock with gilt and green detailing restored by Giltwood
Ornate antique wall clock with gold detailing and Roman numerals restored by giltwood
Antique ornate chest of drawers with gilt embellishments and marble top restored by giltwood.
An ornate religious altarpiece with a depiction of a biblical scene, featuring figures seated at a table, surrounded by angels, and decorative gold accents.
Painting of a young girl in a white dress with blue flowers, holding a basket of flowers, framed in an ornate golden frame.
Gilded female torso sculpture on a pedestal in a room with ornate mirrors and decorations.
Gold leaf gilded BMX bike gilded by Giltwood.
Elegant interior wall with white paneling and gold leaf gilding, featuring decorative molding and a partially open door, image showing a work in progress for landmark public architecture commission.
Gold leaf gilding dome ceiling decor with white trim for a global luxury retail brand.
A collection of ornate, antique gold clocks and urns displayed on a table, featuring intricate designs restored by Giltwood.
Photography Credits
Photography by Mike Gleeson and Martina Gemmola.
What our clients have said about our Restoration Service
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I recently purchased 2 beautiful authentic gilt mirrors from Giltwood. Mike was such a pleasure to deal with. His excellent customer service extended to constructing 2 extremely sturdy custom crates for delivery of our mirrors to Burleigh Heads. Highly recommend!
Lisa L, Burleigh Heads, Queensland
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Mike did an amazing job to bring back my beautiful mirror back to its former glory. It was quite damaged and l was pleasantly surprised how well it came up. Well worth restoring.
Fiona Mitchell, Victoria
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Mike Gleeson offers an exceptionally good service with a respected knowledge of his craft. We could not be more satisfied with all the work he has done for us, over the years we have dealt with him.
Jo & Peter Scully, Middle Park, Victoria
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Mike did an incredible job of restoring our mirror (210cm x 140cm) from the 1800’s. It was no easy task to move the mirror and the integrate details took many hours for him to restore. We are so impressed by how sturdy this mirror now is and we are happy it will now last another 100 years+. Great communication and service, we couldn’t recommend enough.
Paul & Stephanie Ryan, Victoria