Materials Conservation
At O’Sullivan Conservation we provide superior material conservation services, specialising in but not limited to furniture, built heritage and interiors, and objects conservation.
Below are some examples of treatments we regularly conduct:
- Cleaning
- Structural stabilisation
- Replacement of missing components using appropriate techniques
- Marquetry and inlay work
- Boulle work
- Veneering
- Cosmetic conservation treatments to fill gaps and disguise previous deterioration
- Colour matched repairs and new components
- Carving and turning of missing components
- Hardware – i.e. metalwork repairs and fabrication, lock and key repairs, casting replacement hardware
- Conservation of finishes using appropriate oils, waxes, shellac and original coatings
- War Memorial and Honour Roll conservation
- Conservation of built heritage buildings
- Reglazing
- Mould remediation
- On-site conservation
- Provision of recommendations and consulting for ongoing maintenance, conservation and handling
Wooden Objects
Our approach to wooden object conservation and restoration respects the integrity and history of the piece, while ensuring material and visual compatibility and lasting results. Our principal conservator’s initial training was in the Conservation and Restoration of Furniture and Wooden Objects, in which he obtained a Diploma with Distinction, from the Letterfrack Furniture College, Ireland, and his passion for wooden objects has continued to inform his practice throughout his career.
Bronze Objects and Sculptures
Treatments include cleaning, corrosion treatment, repairs, filling of losses, recasting replica elements, retouching, and repatination of surface finishes and rewaxing. These works can be undertaken as an isolated service or as part of a conservation maintenance program.
Marble and stone objects
O’Sullivan Conservation has experience undertaking conservation cleaning of marble and stone objects, including poulticing, micro-air abrasive techniques, and steaming for stain removaland biocide applications to reduce bio-growth.
Asian Objects
Given the significant number of Australian’s with Asian ancestry and the close connections that Australia shares with its Asian neighbours, O’Sullivan Conservation recognises conservation treatments of Asian art require a specialist approach.
At O’Sullivan Conservation we have training in the use of techniques and materials unique to Western art and we have experience with the treatment of a wide range of Asian artefacts, including lacquerware, religious objects such as Buddha statues and priests’ chairs, temple dogs and jubako lunchboxes.
Ceramics
Artillery, Armament & War Relics
Treatment can include disassembly and cleaning, abrasive blasting and painting or coasting reapplication, with relevant historical authorities often consulted for recommended paint colours.
O’Sullivan Conservation has also undertaken conservation treatment of smaller war relics including swords, decommissioned firearms, including rifles and handguns, and war and service medals.
Honour Rolls and Memorial Boards
O’Sullivan Conservation has undertaken numerous conservation treatments and restorations of Honour Rolls and Memorial Boards. Treatment options range from a simple clean and wax to more comprehensive approaches including the removal of graffiti, scratch reduction, fabrication of replacement moulding and removal and replacement of failing coatings and lacquer. Inpainting of names and regilding are additional treatment options that O’Sullivan Conservation can provide if required.
Gilding & Inpainting
O’Sullivan Conservation can perform gilding and in-painting on a wide range of materials and objects, including stone monuments and, wooden and metal objects.