REPORT ON THE MAY 2006 MEETING

Antique Furniture Restoration

Given the current level of interest in antiques, promoted by the proliferation of TV programmes, the Alston Moor Historical Society were very happy to welcome Peter Makin to their May meeting. He is an experienced furniture restorer and his illustrated talk gave an insight into the art of repairing distressed period furniture and restoring it to former glories. The skill and patience required for this work was well illustrated by ‘before and after’ photographs. The most dilapidated and sorry looking items can be restored given sufficient care and attention.

One of the main requirements in restoration is that the materials used for repairs should be identical to the original. Most restorers have a stockpile of old timbers and materials which they accumulate over the years from irreparably damaged pieces and which they keep for possible future use. Some woods are no longer available and the restorer has the problem of finding an alternative match. Colouring is also often difficult to match and the use of dyes and stains is very important to produce a credible finished product. The use of animal glues, as opposed to modern synthetic glues, is desirable to achieve an authentic result.

Advice was given on points to look out for when buying antiques. Sometimes the proportions of the item might not look right, suggesting that changes have been made to an original e.g., legs shortened on tables/chairs, bases or feet of long case clocks removed. Poor repairs should be obvious and avoided at all costs. Photographs of a grotesque ugly ‘repair’ to an otherwise desirable Georgian chair, using modern metal angle brackets from a DIY store, were shown. Fortunately it was possible to redeem the situation by removing the brackets and using a splice of contemporary wood to make a very acceptable restoration. Much of the work of a restorer involves making good the botched work of enthusiastic, but unskilled, amateurs.

One of the difficulties for the amateur is to understand the difference between genuine items, reproductions, replicas and fakes. An old item could well be a reproduction of an earlier period but is nevertheless still a desirable object and an antique in its own right – as opposed to a forgery. In assessing a piece it is the top 2mm of the surface which gives a guide to the quality and it is important to be able to discern between dirt and patina. Also restored furniture is not expected to look brand new.

Chairs are good starting items for the beginner but are a minefield for the uninitiated. However they can be readily obtained at a reasonable price and also may allow experience with upholstery or cane work. A search through attics, spare rooms and outhouses could well provide suitable subjects for experimentation – and could even unearth a hidden treasure!

Following on the antique theme, the next meeting of the Society at the Masonic Hall, Alston, on the 7th June, will be in the form of an ‘Antiques Roadshow’. Mr Brian Higgs will evaluate items brought in by members and visitors. Anyone wishing to bring an item will be most welcome. Small items of furniture will be particularly attractive, to give breadth and variety to the exhibits.