Fine art restoration, gilding and decorative conservation in Warrington

Councils, churches and heritage teams often brief a paintings restorer, a gilder, a faux finisher and a stencil specialist separately. We carry out conservation, gold leaf gilding, faux marbling and stenciling under one roof, with one programme for private collections, civic landmarks and churches across the North West.

Trusted by churches, councils and heritage organisations across the North West.

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Clients we have worked with

  • Archdiocese of Liverpool logo
  • Liverpool City Council logo
  • Trafford Centre logo
  • Trafford Palazzo logo
Silvano Cioci Faux, founder of North West Murals Ltd
Silvano Cioci FauxFounder, North West Murals Ltd

St Marie's Heritage Group · Halton & St Helens VCA. Full workshop article · Case study · All films

Meet Silvano Cioci Faux

Filmed with the St Marie's Heritage Group and Halton & St Helens VCA during the Heritage Lottery Fund redevelopment, Silvano walks through real altar panel work in Widnes: UV inspection, soft dust brushing, synthetic saliva and soap cleaning, poultice work on stubborn dirt, and careful swab checks on 24 carat gold leaf.

The film beside Silvano's portrait is from that on-site work: he names the tools, shows the cleaning approach, and talks through each stage while the panel is on the bench. It is the same careful, reversible process we use for private collections and ecclesiastical commissions across the North West.

  • Stage one inspection with magnification and ultraviolet light before solvents touch the paint
  • Conservation cleaning with reversible materials, rinsed and dabbed dry so thin Victorian paint layers stay intact
  • Minimal inpainting and removable varnish planned so panels keep their age and stay maintainable for future generations

One studio for restoration, gilding and decorative work

Councils, churches and heritage teams often brief a paintings restorer, a gilder, a faux finisher and a stencil specialist separately. Scopes overlap, schedules slip, and nobody owns the full room.

North West Murals carries out conservation, gold leaf gilding, faux marbling and stenciling under one roof, with one programme and documented stages for committees and grant reporting. Liverpool Town Hall, St Georges Hall, the Trafford Centre and long term work for the Archdiocese of Liverpool are examples where several disciplines sat with Silvano Cioci Faux, not a chain of subcontractors.

Discuss a heritage or civic project

Frequently asked questions

Restoration, gilding, faux finishes, surveys and coverage across the North West.

All FAQs →
What types of art restoration do you offer?

We restore oil paintings and works on canvas, including surface cleaning, varnish removal where appropriate, tear repair, lining, flaking paint consolidation and inpainting. We also conserve family heirlooms, antiques and ecclesiastical pieces. For gilding, faux finishes and stenciling, see the dedicated service pages or ask during your free estimate visit.

How does the free estimate work?

Call 07801 311972, use our enquiry wizard or contact form. We arrange a visit or studio assessment, discuss condition and options, then provide a clear written scope and estimate. There is no obligation to proceed.

Which areas do you cover?

We are based at Evans House, Norman Street, Warrington WA2 7HW, and work across Liverpool, Manchester, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and the wider North West. We take on residential and commercial projects: private homes, family collections, churches, listed buildings and commercial interiors. Call us with your postcode and we will confirm availability.

Can you help after fire, water or accidental damage?

We assess damaged paintings, gilding and decorative surfaces in the studio or on site, with photographs and written condition notes so you can see what treatment is needed. If a parish, committee or third party needs documentation, tell us when you enquire and we will discuss what they require.

How is gilding different from using gold paint?

Gilding applies real gold leaf over properly prepared surfaces. Burnished leaf gives a deep, reflective finish suited to frames and interior ornament. The right approach for your project is agreed after we assess the substrate and location. Metallic paint cannot match the depth or longevity of leaf when craftsmanship and preparation are done properly.

Can you match existing faux finishes or marbling?

We sample on site where possible and build trial boards before full application. Marbling, wood graining and scumble glazes are hand painted, so we match colour, veining and scale to your existing panelling, fireplaces or joinery rather than using off the shelf wallpapers or films.

Do you work on family portraits and heirlooms?

Yes. We regularly restore private family portraits, inherited paintings and antiques passed down through generations, as well as work for churches, collectors and heritage buildings. Each piece is assessed on its own merits with documented, reversible methods where conservation standards require it.

Do you provide written condition reports?

Yes. We can prepare condition reports for insurance, probate, parish committees or third party approval. Each report includes high resolution photographs and a written description of the front, back, frame and support, noting age, wear, environmental effects and any visible restoration. Ask when you enquire and we will confirm scope and fee after seeing the work.

Can you restore antique picture frames as well as paintings?

Yes. We clean, repair and regild antique frames with real gold leaf, including missing ornament and toning to match surviving patina. Keeping the original frame often protects the value of the painting. Send photographs and approximate dimensions when you request an estimate.

Can you handle gilding, faux finishes and painting restoration on one project?

Yes. That is how we work for councils, parishes and heritage buildings. Instead of coordinating separate gilders, faux finishers and conservators, you get one studio, one scope and one programme. Silvano Cioci Faux leads conservation, gold leaf, marbling, wood graining and stenciling with documented stages suitable for committees and grant reporting. Liverpool civic work, the Trafford Centre and Archdiocese of Liverpool commissions are examples where several disciplines were delivered together.

Why choose North West Murals over a general painter or restorer?

We specialise in heritage decorative arts: gilding, faux finishes, stenciling and conservation led restoration rather than general decorating. Our portfolio includes private homes alongside St Georges Hall Liverpool, the Trafford Centre and ecclesiastical work for the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

What our clients say

6 public reviews on . Read all reviews

  • ★★★★★
    “Silvano recently carried out exceptional work on a high valued work of art. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
    Andrew Crudge
  • ★★★★★
    “My company have used North West Murals on numerous commercial projects and have always found their work to be of extremely high standard and very professional.”
    Keith Dowling
  • ★★★★★
    “At Property Surv we regularly appoint and work alongside conservation specialists across a range of high quality refurbishment and heritage…”

    Read full review on Google

    Property Surv
  • ★★★★★
    “Ted Todd had a great experience working jointly with Silvano and his team on a private client's property which was a listed building. We…”

    Read full review on Google

    Tina Horth
  • ★★★★★
    “If you want any restoration work doing on your treasured murals then Silvano is the person to contact. If your restoration includes gilding that's no problem, Silvano can sort you out.”
    Paul Carey
  • ★★★★★
    “Would highly recommend Silvano. Reasonably priced, knowledgeable, efficient. I am very happy with the gilding”
    Goostrey Lane Vets

Request a free estimate

Gilding, restoration, faux finishes and stenciling across Warrington, Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire. Call 07801 311972 or start online.