Restoration art furniture in the 19th century: ideas and methods

Abstract

The article presents a review and analysis of the leading ideas and methods of the restoration of furniture in the 19th century. This issue has never been deeply examined. Issues of repair and restoration of objects of furniture decoration in the 19th century are essential for restoration practices today. The article is structured according to the main stages of the restoration process. It sequentially discusses each stage of preparation for repair and the types and methods of the works performed. The main conclusion is that the methods and techniques that were used in the 19th century can not be considered as restoration. Repairs and renovations are performed continuously. The reasons for the change of finishing coats and upholstery fabrics were different: wear and tear of the material, changing fashion trends, changing owners. This conforms to the impulse to give things greater solemnity, conveying rather the tastes of the owners and of fashion. Accordingly, in this period the basic requirement as to the quality of the repair is to bring the object to its “original state”. Refs 27. Figs 15.