Restoration

Restoration

Condition of the object is a big factor in establishing market value. Collectors prefer art pieces and antiques that are in original condition rather than in “reconditioned” or “restored” condition. Collectors are looking for art and antiques in the best condition that can be found. Most often, objects in the best condition will have the highest market value.

Items that have significant wear or damage can still fetch high prices from collectors if they are very rare. First edition books, signed paintings, signed manuscripts, ancient archeological finds, historically important documents, hand made antiques and unique craft items as well as a host of other unique objects and works of art are examples of rare items. Often these items are more valuable in their original condition even if they are worn, dented, or scratched. The wear and tear is a part of the items “provenance” or story. The dents, dirt and scratches are “Patina” to be savored.

Restoration is viewed with skepticism among collectors of all kinds. Too often restoration has meant removing the patina and provenance of the object to “restore” it to the way it was originally. The restoration can destroy the value of an antique. Great care should be taken to preserve rather than restore. After all, an very old object that is returned its original state is a new item altogether rather than an antique one… a “new” antique would be a devalued object.

Preservation means to hold together that which exists. Preservation can involve repair to some degree. Preservation can mean remounting or reframing of a picture. Preservation can mean providing shelter for a sculpture that is outdoors. Preservation might mean removing mold or eliminating the environmental damage that is destroying an object. Knowing when to stop becomes the real point. Keeping the object safe and securing it but not altering it is the real art of preservation work. The motto of “less is more” is a guiding rule of good preservation and repair work. The New York cab driver saying also applies, “If its not broke, don’t fix it”.



	Restoration Condition of the object is a big factor in establishing market value. Collectors prefer art pieces and antiques that are in original condition rather than in “reconditioned” or “restored” condition. Collectors are looking for art and antiques in the best condition that can be found. Most often, objects in the best condition will have the highest market value. Items that have significant wear or damage can still fetch high prices from collectors if they are very rare. First edition books, signed paintings, signed manuscripts, ancient archeological finds, historically important documents, hand made antiques and unique craft items as well as a host of other unique objects and works of art are examples of rare items. Often these items are more valuable in their original condition even if they are worn, dented, or scratched. The wear and tear is a part of the items “provenance” or story. The dents, dirt and scratches are “Patina” to be savored. Restoration is viewed with skepticism among collectors of all kinds. Too often restoration has meant removing the patina and provenance of the object to “restore” it to the way it was originally. The restoration can destroy the value of an antique. Great care should be taken to preserve rather than restore. After all, an very old object that is returned its original state is a new item altogether rather than an antique one… a “new” antique would be a devalued object. Preservation means to hold together that which exists. Preservation can involve repair to some degree. Preservation can mean remounting or reframing of a picture. Preservation can mean providing shelter for a sculpture that is outdoors. Preservation might mean removing mold or eliminating the environmental damage that is destroying an object. Knowing when to stop becomes the real point. Keeping the object safe and securing it but not altering it is the real art of preservation work. The motto of “less is more” is a guiding rule of good preservation and repair work. The New York cab driver saying also applies, “If its not broke, don’t fix it”.