On Wednesday 18th March, nine members of the society visited the Lancashire County Council Conservation Studios in Preston which are appropriately housed in a converted church in the city centre. Whilst the exterior is unchanged, the interior has been specifically designed for conservation work. The team of conservators work here on behalf of museums and galleries across the region, restoring and repairing all manner of historic items.
During this fascinating visit, we learned what the experts are currently working on, including the careful cleaning of a marble bust, extensive repairs to a huge painting from Manchester Town Hall, and the restoration of some botanical models by Robert Brendel. These latter pieces were exquisite, handcrafted papier-mâché structures formerly used to teach botany at universities – delicate, detailed, and beautiful. Click here to see examples.
We were also shown several recent arrivals: a very fine Waring and Gillow linen press, a Bond mini car (made in Preston), and a stuffed polar bear, – yes, really. The car and bear are awaiting restoration – no doubt each providing very different challenges – while the furniture was about to move to a new location.
Although the studios primarily do work for corporate bodies, they will also quote for the restoration of items from private individuals.
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