CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Books

Archetype Publications publish many conservation books 
their website can be found here

CONSERVATION AND CARE OF GLASS OBJECTS

STEVEN KOOB

Hardcover: 160 pages

• Publisher: Archetype Publications Ltd (1 Nov 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1904982085
• ISBN-13: 978-1904982081
• This book is designed to aid conservators in understanding the materials used in the conservation and restoration of glass objects. Principles and methods involved in the cleaning and restoration of historical and archaeological glass objects are addressed, including aspects of deterioration, the ethics and aesthetics of restoration, and proper conditions for storage and display. There is also a discussion of techniques for repairing broken glass and for filling gaps in colorless and colored glasses. Particular emphasis is placed on the correct and safest methods of handling, cleaning, displaying, mounting, lighting, transporting, and storing glass objects, with an in-depth look at the causes and symptoms of "sick" (crizzled) glasses.
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PORCELAIN REPAIR AND RESTORATION - A HANDBOOK

W.A. Oddy and Nigel Williams 

Hardcover: 160 pages

• Publisher: British Museum Press; 2nd Revised edition edition (17 Jun 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714127574
• ISBN-13: 978-0714127576

This text explains simply, step-by-step, how even inexperienced amateurs can achieve excellent results when they embark on porcelain restoration. Would-be restorers are introduced to the many options available and encouraged to discover which techniques suit their individual circumstances. Each stage in the process is illustrated and there is advice on the functions and uses of specialist tools. The book should prove of use to the experienced professional restorer as well as the novice.

• PRACTICAL CERAMIC CONSERVATION (2003)
• Leslie Acton and Natasha Smith
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd (25 April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861264836
• ISBN-13: 978-1861264831

Written by two leading conservators, it explains the various stages of the conservation process. Step-by-step instructions and examples show how staining may be removed, cracks stabilized, pieces rebonded, moulds taken, areas retouched, lustres applied and gilding restored. Reference information provides a usuful aid for anyone unsure about the different qualities of clay, solvents, adhesives, bulking agents, plaster, paints and varnishes. This handbook should be useful for anyone interested in the conservation of ceramics, whether their aim is to pursue a career in this field or to mend a favourite plate.

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• CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF GLASS
• Sandra Davison and Roy Newton
• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: A Butterworth-Heinemann Title; 2 edition (15 Jan 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750643412
• ISBN-13: 978-0750643412

Conservation and Restoration of Glass is an in-depth guide to the materials and practices required for the care and preservation of glass objects. It provides thorough coverage of both theoretical and practical aspects of glass conservation.

This new edition of Newton and Davison's original book, Conservation of Glass, includes sections on the nature of glass, the historical development and technology of glassmaking, and the deterioration of glass. Professional conservators will welcome the inclusion of recommendations for examination and documentation. Incorporating treatment of both excavated glass and historic and decorative glass, the book provides the knowledge required by conservators and restorers and is invaluable for anyone with glass objects in their care. 

* Includes both theoretical background and practical procedures, providing a comprehensive view of the subject
* Contains new highly illustrated case studies* Concentrates on 2 and 3 dimensional glass object restoration

RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF CERAMICS 
Susan Buys and Victoria Oakley

Paperback: 252 pages

• Publisher: A Butterworth-Heinemann Title; New Ed edition (28 Nov 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750632194
• ISBN-13: 978-0750632195
• 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.

MICROMOSAICS (GILBERT COLLECTION)

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd (18 April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0856675113
• ISBN-13: 978-0856675119
• The art of mosaics is of ancient origin, enjoying its first great period during the Roman Empire and its second in 18th- and 19th-century Rome. Affluent tourists provided the ideal market for views of Rome and images from ancient history and mythology, painstakingly worked in tesserae - a technique known as "micromosaics". The range of objects was enormous - from jewellery and snuffboxes to large pictures and tabletops. All of these forms and subjects are represented in the Gilbert Collection. This volume examines the collection through colour illustrations and detailed descriptions and commentaries. Research into the workshops and business practices of two significant Roman mosaicists derived from the archives of the Vatican Mosaic workshops is detailed in an essay by Massimo Alfieri, while Judy Rudoe explores the techniques and materials of small-scale Roman micromosaic objects.

CHINA MENDING AND RESTORATION
C.S.M. PARSONS & F.H. CURL

• Hardcover: 435 pages
• Publisher: FABER AND FABER (1963 Edition)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571054749
• ISBN-13: 978-0571054749
• I am amazed at the amount of information in this book which shows the methods employed in the 60's.  There's an amazing chapter on how they used to make rivets.  It's essential reading for anyone taking up ceramic restoration as you can get in the mind-set of how it was done then and fill in with the new methods and materials used today.  In my opinion all methods are relevant to the work and the objects people bring to the workshop.

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RESTORATION SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

Handover Brushes  - for great brushes and gilding stuff, I used to get all my stained glass painting brushes here also Rosemary and Co Artists brushes which looks like an American web site but it's actually in Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK and her prices are very reasonable.

Airbrushes in Lancing, UK do a fantastic range of airbrushes and equipment.  The one which is good to use for the fine detail required for ceramic work is the Iwata Eclipse BS it has one small cup on the top which makes it easier to change colours and clean.  It is also small enough to get in areas that are difficult to get to.  It's worth every penny. I also got from the same supplier a compressor which works very well. 

Cornelissens for art and craft materials, and pigments. They have a shop near the British Museum, Tottenham Court Rd tube, London

Kremer Pigments supply all sorts of conservation materials including pigments and potions. They are very efficient and straightforward to order from and post worldwide.

Habberley Meadows for gold and gilding supplies

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Youtube and other videos of interest

STEPHEN KOOB talking about restoration and conservation of glass here

A great video about The Fitzwilliam Museum reconstruction of vases after a lady fell down the stairs and they were severly smashed up here and the museum website.