SERVICES
Expert, accredited conservation, based in London
Bainbridge Conservation offers reliable, ethically-based conservation treatments, analysis, and advice.
Conservation treatments vary widely depending on context, but in general we aim to preserve objects for as long as possible with as little intervention as possible, and with as much honesty and removability as possible. In some cases intervention is necessary, to reveal obscured information or surfaces as in a repainted piece of furniture, to maintain functionality as in the case of a broken chair or binding, or to prevent active decay such as mould damage or insect infestation or a print framed with acidic materials.
We make our repairs aesthetically pleasing and sympathetic, sometimes invisible to the untrained eye, but always distinguishable to an expert so that it is clear what is original, what is a later intervention, and what is the modern conservation.
Our treatments are underpinned by an understanding of conservation science and the ability to choose materials which will be as safe as possible to your objects. We also perform surveys on collections, do conservation cleaning, carry out analysis, and give advice about preventative approaches—it's always best to spend your resources up front to keep your objects in good condition in the first place.
estimates
Each object is different, so email us with details of your object or project, including images if you can, to get an estimate.
Furniture Studio
conservation of furniture
We provide a comprehensive service of furniture conservation and restoration.
conservation of objects & Decorative arts
We also provide conservation of a wide range of organic objects and materials: from painted sculptures, models and wooden war memorials to ivory or leather objects.
conservation of interior woodwork
We act as on-site contractor for conservation of interior timber, joinery and wood carving, both domestic and ecclesiastical.
conservation of Asian Lacquer
We are one of few private conservation practices in the UK specialising in Asian lacquer, using both Western and urushi lacquer treatments.
Conservation of frames
We work on historic frames, restoring losses and surfaces, fitting artworks with conservation mounting and glazing.
conservation of gilded objects
We offer conservation cleaning, structural repair and restoration of losses and gilding to gilded furniture, mirrors and objects.
Book & Paper Studio
Book conservation
We work on a range of bindings, from unique 15th-century atlases to your grandmother’s treasured copy of Little Women.
paper conservation
We work on prints and drawings, modern and old. We clean, remove tape & adhesive, repair tears, and fill losses.
Bookbinding & Finishing
We make bespoke leather, parchment, and cloth bindings for blank and printed books, and we can add all the gold lettering you want.
bespoke enclosures
To protect books and flat objects in storage or transport, a variety of enclosures can be made. They are made to the dimensions of your object.
bespoke book cradles & exhibition supports
We use archival board to make exhibition supports that hold books and paper-based objects open safely at a specific angle for display.
picture framing & conservation mounting
Protect your prints for exhibition or home display with conservation-grade mounting and framing.
Research and Documentation
Condition reports, surveys, & advice
Find out how we can advise you on the care of a single item or a collection.
analysis
Learn more about the materials and stability of your object, or the materials you want to use for exhibition or enclosure.
research & publication
A bibliography of work we’ve published.
