| Often in society there is a fascination with "Bling" | | | | old lady seeing the girl that once was. Before you |
| bright, shiny,gaudy, just like the latest fashions to | | | | get out the belt sander and caustic soda Stop, sit |
| attract the wannabee achievers to acquire the | | | | down have a cup of coffee and ponder the |
| next new thing. I was at a woodworking show | | | | intrinsic beauty of the piece and how to bring that |
| recently and there was a circa 18th century | | | | out with gentle cleaning. sympathetic repairs in the |
| reproduction Grand father clock, the constructor | | | | old style and a soft golden finish to bring out the |
| had obviously spent months if not years building | | | | lustre. If you are unsure whether to proceed with |
| this ornate masterpiece with rare timbers and | | | | a project get a soft cloth and just start gently |
| fabulous marquetry and inlays BUT BUT BUT It | | | | cleaning it; by going over it thoroughly you will |
| did not look right because it had no age or patina | | | | start to see what needs to be repaired,what |
| to it. It could have come direct from China c.2010. | | | | previous owners have bodged up and |
| That is what makes an antique, the same as an | | | | approximately how much time it will take to finish. |
| elder with a lifetime of stories and wisdom. So | | | | With this information you will be able to assess |
| your project be it car, property or furniture must | | | | whether it is worth proceeding, whether it is a |
| reflect a bygone era. | | | | money making opportunity or just a job for the |
| Conservation must be sympathetic and caring, | | | | love of doing it. |
| evoking the stories of days gone by and like an | | | | |