We treat each piece on its own merits: portraits passed down through generations, ecclesiastic panels, civic paintings and antiques in private homes. The same studio also carries out gilding, faux finishes and decorative work on landmark interiors, so paintings are cared for alongside the rooms they belong in.
Condition is documented before treatment, with reversible methods where conservation standards require it. You receive a clear written scope and estimate after assessment. There is no obligation to proceed.
What we treat
- Surface cleaning and varnish removal
- Canvas tears, punctures and relining
- Flaking paint consolidation and inpainting
- Works on panel, canvas and mixed media
- Antique frame cleaning, repair and regilding
- Written condition reports for insurance or probate
How restoration works
- 1. Assessment. Send photographs or arrange a visit. We inspect the front, back, frame and support, then test cleaning on a small area where appropriate.
- 2. Written scope. You receive condition notes, recommended treatment and a fixed estimate. Condition reports for insurance or probate are available on request.
- 3. Studio treatment. Cleaning, stabilisation, lining, inpainting and frame work are carried out in our Warrington studio with progress photographs when useful.
Oil painting cleaning and varnish removal
Yellowed varnish, grime, nicotine staining and mould growth are removed only where testing shows the paint layer will respond safely. We work incrementally so original paint is not over-cleaned, including on works previously treated too aggressively.
Family portraits, ecclesiastic panels and civic paintings are assessed in the studio or on site before treatment begins. Cleaned paintings are protected with an appropriate varnish when the scheme requires it.
Canvas repair and lining
Tears, punctures, slack canvas and frayed edges are stabilised with minimum intervention. Options include strip lining, full relining with conservation-grade adhesive, patch repairs and stretcher adjustments, discussed once the painting has been assessed.
We document condition with photographs and written notes so you can see what treatment is recommended before work proceeds.
Retouching and paint consolidation
Flaking or missing paint is consolidated and inpainted only where losses disrupt the image. Retouching follows reversible conservation standards: colours and brushwork are matched carefully, and new work remains distinguishable on close examination.
We treat oil paintings, works on panel and mixed-media antiques in private homes, churches and collections across the North West.
Antique frame cleaning, repair and regilding
Keeping the original frame often protects the value of a painting. We clean tarnished gilt surfaces, repair composite ornament, cast missing sections and regild with real gold leaf where required, with toning to match surviving patina.
Full frame regilding and architectural gilding for interiors are covered on our gilding service page. Email photographs and approximate dimensions for frame work when you enquire.
Antiques, family heirlooms and condition reports
Antiques, gesso ornament and polychrome surfaces are treated with reversible methods where conservation ethics require it. Written condition reports can be provided for insurance, probate, parish committees or third-party approval, with high-resolution photographs and a detailed description of age, wear and previous restoration.
Studio work is based in Warrington. We collect across Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and the wider North West, and can discuss courier arrangements for pieces outside the region after assessment.
Conservation and restoration by area
Warrington
Liverpool
Manchester
Cheshire
See all the areas we cover.