Laurie Penman has written an indispensable guide for both the absolute beginner and the experienced clock enthusiast. "The Clock Repairer's Handbook" provides information on how to repair and maintain a clock's delicate mechanics and teaches the basics of clock repairing through detailed, easy-to-follow instructions and more than three hundred instructive diagrams and illustrations. Advice and directions for cleaning clock movements, pivoting and mounting, fixing train faults and gears, the importance of lubrication and friction, and how to make sure the strike and chimes work on the hour, every hour. "The Clock Repairer's Handbook" provides all the necessary information to troubleshoot any clock's problems and to make sure your clock continues to run in perfect order for generations to come.

The effective preparation of garments for display is essential for exhibitions of contemporary and historical dress. Costumes not only need to be visually appealing but also fully supported and historically accurate. This book provides a comprehensive guide to mounting costumes from the eighteenth century to the present day. It includes methods for adapting and shaping figures to create historical silhouettes, constructing underpinnings and making replicas and toiles using inexpensive and simple techniques. A Practical Guide to Costume Mounting is an invaluable resource for conservators, historians and all those working with clothing in museums, private collections and throughout the fashion and theatre industries. Trained as a historical costume maker, author Lara Flecker is the textile display specialist at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. She has worked extensively with the museum's world-class costume collection, preparing garments for display. Her simple mounting methods are clearly explained and can be used by people with a wide range of experience, including those with few sewing skills.

This new edition of Architectural Tiles: Conservation and Restoration continues to inform and educate on appropriate means towards the preservation of this valuable heritage. It not only contains new and up to date information on materials, practical methods, and historical research but also reflects changes in the attitudes, outlook and perceptions within the wider conservation, architectural heritage and construction communities which give a new dimension to the conservation and restoration techniques described in the previous edition. The growing interest in the preservation of post war ceramic tile murals and the subsequent demand for information pertaining specifically to this era is a welcome and useful addition. The new overview of common problems will be helpful in domestic and ecclesiastical situations and will appeal to independent tilers who are in need of information to deal with problems out of the normal run of their work but which are now more commonly being dealt with outside of conservation practice circles. The book has always been and remains an accessible resource to anyone who is interested either professionally or as an enthusiast in the preservation of historic architectural tiles.

X-radiography of textile objects reveals hidden features as well as unexpected components and materials. This non-destructive technique throws light on construction, manufacturing techniques, use, wear, repair, patterns of decay and dating. X-radiography improves artefact documentation and interpretation as well as guiding conservation approaches by enhancing understanding.This book explores techniques for X-raying textiles. It describes approaches to image interpretation and explains how, through digitisation and digital image manipulation, maximum information can be realised. Case studies include archaeological, ecclesiastical and ethnographic textiles, items of dress and accessories, upholstery, quilts, embroideries, dolls and toys. Museum professionals will find this stimulating book an essential guide for developing their own practice or commissioning textile X-radiographs.

This book is a comprehensive resource covering the principles and practice of the conservation and restoration of furniture. A review of the historical development of furniture introduces a wide range of structural types and materials that may be encountered, including wood, ivory, turtleshell, horn and metals, as well as decorative surfaces such as paint, japanning, lacquer and gilding. The nature and behaviour of these materials is explained and used as a basis from which to explore the mechanisms and consequences of deterioration caused by environment and use. Building on this foundation, the book shows how to develop and implement logical solutions to conservation problems.

Combining the practical knowledge and experience of a team of conservators active in the field, with theoretical and reference material from diverse sources, Conservation of Furniture uses and integrated approach to produce a book that will prove invaluable to anyone working in or studying this subject area.

Pottery and Porcelain Restoration is a practical guide for amateurs to the craft of the professional restorer. With over 360 photographs, it explains the simplest, safest and ethical techniques that are recommended today and - essentially - do not further damage your pieces. Written with clear practical detail, it explains the full process and gives unique insight into the delicate job of the ceramic restorer. This new book introduces the history of pottery and porcelain, and gives an account of the methods and ethics of ceramic restoration; it gives a complete list and details of materials and equipment, and particularly advises on the best choice of glues; it describes the full restoration process, from preparation and cleaning to gluing and modelling, and finally to painting and gilding and provides step-by-step instructions for gluing multiple breaks, filling chips and large missing areas, as well as making lids, teapot spouts, hands, leaves, fingers and handles. Restoration examples are illustrated such as making Beswick horse legs, replacing missing handles on a Chinese jug and painting a Clarice Cliff jug and, finally, vital tricks of the trade are shared throughout and useful tips to setting up a workshop are given.

The Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics brings together the wide range of current information relevant to the practising conservator. The book opens with a discussion of the fundamental nature of the ceramic medium, information which is of primary importance when selecting treatments or considering preventive conservation measures.
Details on techniques are given in a series of chapters covering the restoration and conservation processes, but the emphasis is on the basic principles involved in the choice of materials and methods. The nature and properties of materials commonly in use are fully discussed and guidance is given on the facilities and equipment needed.
Also covered in the book are old restoration materials and methods, the ethics of ceramics conservation, examination and recording, display treatments and emergency procedures.
Now in paperback, this book will be invaluable to practising conservators and readers of conservation as well as of interest to museum curators and collectors.

Repairing a fountain pen is not as simple as it seems. After learning the parts and mechanical characteristics of a pen through the directions in this service manual, one can quite easily remedy most ordinary complaints. Clear drawings and simple instructions are provided.

The effective preparation of garments for display is essential for exhibitions of contemporary and historical dress. Costumes not only need to be visually appealing but also fully supported and historically accurate. This book provides a comprehensive guide to mounting costumes from the eighteenth century to the present day. It includes methods for adapting and shaping figures to create historical silhouettes, constructing underpinnings and making replicas and toiles using inexpensive and simple techniques. A Practical Guide to Costume Mounting is an invaluable resource for conservators, historians and all those working with clothing in museums, private collections and throughout the fashion and theatre industries. Trained as a historical costume maker, author Lara Flecker is the textile display specialist at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. She has worked extensively with the museum's world-class costume collection, preparing garments for display. Her simple mounting methods are clearly explained and can be used by people with a wide range of experience, including those with few sewing skills.

The grandfather clock, an entirely new kind of furniture, first appeared in the late seventeenth century. From then on, with its long case to protect pendulum and weights, its rugged movement and large, clear indication of time, it has been a success story right up to the present day. Virtually none of these clocks is beyond repair and often the work required is within the scope of inexperienced owners. This is the first full-length book to cover repair and restoration of these attractive and often valuable antiques, including their casework. The first part outlines how to clean and service the clock 'works' and also how to refurbish the dial, while in the second part restoration or casework, both structural repairs and finishing, is considered. The illustrations are of two actual clocks (one eight-day and one thirty-hour) and work proceeding on them. The last part of the book sketches common variations from these particular examples. Armed with this book and appropriate tools (for work on both movement and case), the owner of a dilapidated grandfather clock will be encouraged and given the know-how to restore it to life as a useful and attractive clock and a prized possession.

Jean Genet was one of the world's greatest contemporary dramatists, and his last play, The Screens, is his crowning achievement. It strikes a powerful, closing chord to the formidable theatrical work that began with Deathwatch and continued, with even bolder variations, in The Maids, The Balcony, and The Blacks.
Explicitly political, The Screens is set within the context of the Algerian War. The play's cast of over fifty characters moves through seventeen scenes, the world of the living breaching the world of the dead by means of shifting the screens--the only scenery--in a brilliant tour de force of spectacle and drama.

'The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects' makes available in a single volume, a survey of the chemical composition, properties and analysis of the whole range of organic materials incorporated into objects and artworks found in museum collections. The authors cover the fundamental chemistry of the bulk materials such as wood, paper, natural fibres and skin products, as well as that of the relatively minor components incorporated as paint, media, varnishes, adhesives and dyes. This expanded second edition, now in paperback, follows the structure of the first, though it has been extensively updated. In addition to chapters on basic organic chemistry, analytical methods, analytical findings and fundamental aspects of deterioration, the subject matter is grouped as far as possible by broad chemical class - oils and fats, waxes, bitumens, carbohydrates, proteins, natural resins, dyestuffs and synthetic polymers. This is an essential purchase for all practising and student conservators, restorers, museum scientists, curators and organic chemists.

This book includes professional techniques to bring your furniture back to life. It is an essential guide to basic and advanced restoration techniques for antique tables. It features step-by-step instructions for everyday restoration tasks, including repairing a damaged table leg, mending the base and frame, and dismantling and reassembling tables. It explains how tables from different periods are made, and how to take them apart and put them back together. It includes expert advice on buying, using and caring for tools, equipment and materials. It covers projects that include correcting a warped card table, restoring a drop-leaf table, repairing a badly fire-damaged sofa table, and mending a split pedestal table. It contains more than 400 photographs, with close-ups of techniques and tools, and before-and-after shots. Tables come in a variety of styles, and although they are usually fairly robust, they will eventually need repairing. This book is a practical guide to restoration techniques for antique tables. It describes how tables from different periods were made, and includes a comprehensive section on the tools and equipment needed for home repair jobs. Projects include waxing a table, carving a damaged bracket, and repairing fretwork. With its historical overview and professional guidance, and illustrated by more than 400 photographs, the book will enable novice restorers to develop a better understanding of antique tables, and how to repair and restore them.

Cherished objects and family heirlooms hold a special place in our lives. Whether they are personal letters, grandmother's silverware, or the favorite stuffed animal from your childhood, these items all have significance and are part of your cultural heritage. Caring for Your Cherished Objects: The Winterthur Guide provides practical information about what you should and shouldn't do to prolong the life of your objects, including advice about proper storage and display. The book will help you to assess your possessions, understand which objects are most vulnerable, and avoid the situations that will put them at more risk. Illustrations demonstrate the kinds of problems you may see on your own items or warning signs that indicate that some sort of action-whether preventive, conservative, or restorative-is warranted. Learn the difference between those terms. Sidebars in each chapter address the science behind the whys and hows to caring for the wide range of specific kinds of objects covered-from ephemera, documents, books, works of art on paper, photographs, and organic objects to textiles, ceramics, glass, metal objects, furniture, and frames. Included are the procedures that can be safely done by an owner as well as those that require the services of conservation professionals. So that you aren't left to wander the Internet, a Resources section provides a list of reliable professional organizations as well as suggested readings, websites, and lists of suppliers to aid you in caring for your cherished objects. The authors of Caring for Your Cherished Objects are highly trained, experienced experts who have cared for thousands of precious objects and have a passion for the topic. In addition to caring for the collection at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, they teach, consult, and lecture on the care of cultural heritage to students, professionals, and the public.

We all have treasures hidden away in the attic, well-loved and well-worn belongings that have been passed down from generation to generation. They may be damaged or no longer working, but we can't bear to part with them. The expert craftspeople of hit BBC series The Repair Shop are dedicated to restoring and conserving these heirlooms. They know that the true worth of these possessions doesn't lie in their monetary value, but in the memories they hold and the stories they tell. In this fascinating book, you'll step inside The Repair Shop's Workshop of Dreams to explore some of the most moving family stories from the hit BBC series. From a glamorous sequinned dress that belonged to a popular travelling circus performer to a pump organ that was brought from Jamaica by a member of the Windrush generation, each family item is brought vividly to life - and lovingly restored by the team of Repair Shop experts who also contribute to these expanded stories. With a foreword by Jay Blades, Tales from the Workshop of Dreams is a heartfelt love letter to our collective past, and a fascinating slice of social history. This book features items fixed by Repair Shop experts Steve Fletcher, Will Kirk, Lucia Scalisi, Suzie Fletcher, Kirsten Ramsay, Dominic Chinea, Brenton West, Tim Gunn, Sara Dennis, Chris Shaw, Matt Nickels, Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell. With great care and attention to detail, the Repair Shop team resurrect priceless pieces of family history and breathe new life into the stories they hold.