Restoration

Restoration & Conservation — Stone and Pottery

 

Overview

We offer professional conservation and restoration services for archaeological and ethnographic stone and ceramic objects, with a focus on Pre‑Columbian material. Our approach prioritizes stability and visual integrity.

Typical objects we treat

  • Hand‑built ceramics, figurines, vessels, architectural terracotta's

  • Stone sculpture and reliefs (volcanic stone, limestone, andesite, basalt)

  • Small finds: spindle whorls, beads, stone tools, ceramic whistles, etc.

We do not perform deceptive restorations intended to misrepresent age or completeness.

Our Treatment Philosophy

  • Minimal intervention: Only what is necessary to stabilize and make the object legible.

  • Honest reintegration: Loss compensation and inpainting are limited to reintegrate form/design without obscuring original surfaces under magnification.

Services

1) Examination & Condition Reporting

  • Intake examination.

  • High‑resolution photography (before/after, details)

  • Condition map and prioritized treatment proposal

2) Stabilization & Cleaning

  • Consolidation of friable surfaces

  • Edge stabilization, crack arresting

  • Dry and wet cleaning, controlled poultices, desalination for ceramics when needed

  • Micro‑tool and solvent‑gel cleaning for accretions where safe

3) Break Repair & Reconstruction

  • Disassembly of past repairs when unstable or disfiguring

  • Re‑joining

  • Gap‑filling with fillers; texturing and toning to match adjacent material

4) Loss Compensation & Inpainting

  • Loss fills shaped to restore structural integrity

Deliverables

  • Treatment Proposal & Estimate with scope, risks, and options

  • Treatment Report (PDF) detailing methods and materials, before/after images, and maintenance guidance

  • Condition Report suitable for insurance/loan files

  • Optional printed report set and owner care card

Workflow

  1. Intake — Submit images and dimensions via the Restoration Request Form. We provide a preliminary assessment and estimate range.

  2. On‑site Check‑in — Objects are photographed, weighed/measured, and acclimated; prior repairs are tested for stability.

  3. Treatment — Per approved proposal; any unforeseen conditions are documented and reviewed with you.

  4. Quality Review — Independent check for adhesion, color balance, and legibility under raking light.

  5. Handover — Final photography, care instructions, and repacking guidance.

Pricing

Fees depend on size, complexity, previous restorations, and required testing/mounts. We provide fixed‑fee proposals where possible after examination. Rush and institutional rates available.

Typical ranges (guidance only):

  • Small ceramic (single break, light cleaning): from $XXX

  • Medium vessel (multiple joins, fills, toning): $XXX–$XXX

  • Carved stone (stabilization, cleaning, mount): from $XXX

A 50% deposit is due at approval; balance on completion. Insurance and specialized mounts are billed separately.

Logistics

  • Packing & Shipping: We can advise or arrange professional art packing and fully insured carriers. Please do not ship loose fragments without cushioning and labels.

  • Turnaround: Varies by complexity and curing times. Time estimates are provided in the proposal.

  • Access:  courier options available.

Ethical & Legal Notes

  • We do not reconstruct undocumented objects to increase market value or obscure history.

  • We require good‑faith assurance of lawful ownership and provenance.

  • Sensitive cultural inscriptions or use‑wear are preserved and not over‑restored.

FAQs

Can you make repairs invisible?
Repairs are visually discreet in normal viewing but remain detectable under magnification/UV and in documentation.

Will you remove old overpaint or yellowed glue?
Yes, where safe. We will test solubility and mechanical options and discuss risks before proceeding.

Do you work from photos only?
Quotes can start from photos, but final pricing and feasibility require in‑person examination.

Can you prepare objects for loan or sale?
Yes—condition reporting, minor stabilization, and safe display mounts can be prioritized for deadlines.

Start a Restoration

Use the Form below to upload images and details, or contact:

Conservation Desk
Email: info@minerva-gallery.com

We’re happy to discuss your object and outline the safest path forward.