Restoration of Deco antiques
RESTORED DRESSER
Louis XVI dresser in walnut with particular detailing along the uprights, circa 1780, provenance Piemonte.
Extensive high quality renovations were required to restore this piece to a semblance of its original appearance.
The upper surface was intact but highly deformed.
This warping was almost certainly due to the piece being left exposed to the elements, where over time water did its work, as can be seen in photo 2. One of the two front feet was broken however the missing piece was available.
The dresser was disinfected to remove woodworm; after extensive renovations to repair the foot, but above all to straighten the top, the piece was cleaned of all varnish and left to breathe for a long period of time, allowing it to take on the colour and appearance it deserved; finally it was polished with gum lacquer.
RESTORED BIEDERMEIER SOFA
Biedermeier sofa, circa 1820-30, provenance Austria; walnut veneer, with curved legs, double arms covered in cloth and detailing in walnut. This was reasonably well preserved in terms of the woodwork and the fabric. The initial interventions were to replace some small pieces of veneer that were missing, then, following anti-woodworm treatment, the piece was cleaned and re-varnished with gum lacquer.
With regard to the second (completely original), this was cleaned and treated to remove any possible mites; the straps were tightened, the springs reattached and the body refilled with straw and cotton. The material used to cover it was a green velvet from the Seterie Cordani di Zoagli.