Tag Archives: #mpfconservation

Restoration of a Floral Needlepoint Seat ca 1900

The needlepoint seat we restored was part of a larger restoration/conservation project of a historic Mason and Hamlin Melodeon, ca 1866, shown above during assessment, and the small brass and glass claw foot spool turned Piano Stool which accompanied it, … Continue reading

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Crater Lake National Park CCC Table

The beautiful table (shown above after treatment by MPFC) was made for the Crater Lake National Park by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.  Several pieces of furniture were made for the parks, such as the bench we … Continue reading

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Oregon State Capitol Textiles

MPF Conservation conserved several textiles for the State of Oregon, intended to be displayed in the Capitol building; Megan Atiyeh was our contact. For more information on art shown in the Oregon State Capitol Collection, see the short booklet by … Continue reading

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Antique Quilts: Care and Repair

This article is an update of our old article! Kate at the Hillsboro Museum, above; members brought their quilts and asked questions and/or had a quilt assessed. The advice in this post is referring to antique quilts, though it might … Continue reading

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CRATER LAKE CENTENNIAL QUILT REPAIR

The center of the Crater Lake Centennial Quilt after treatment, above. Not all quits brought to us are antique quilts.  Sometimes they are special project from one of our institutions.  Our repairs still are in keeping with the quilt’s year … Continue reading

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STAR of BETHLEHEM QUILT RESTORATION

The antique Star of Bethlehem Quilt was brought to us for repair, a family heiroom. Above, before treatment, left, and after, right. Note that I rotated the before image so it aligns with the cleaned quadrants of the after image.  … Continue reading

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CRAZY QUILT WEDDING QUILT “TOPPER” RESTORATION

Our client has a Kentucky-born crazy quilt top dated 1900, shown above left, and brought it to us for repairs.  It was made to be a wedding quilt for her grandmother, Lula Shirrell, and her grandfather, Pleasant Melvin Cook, but … Continue reading

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Stickley Chairs

Above and right, the chairs before treatment. Our client had six original Stickley chairs, some of which had their original upholstery.  They have been in her family for 6 generations, bought in Chicago in 1907. We will offer thorough documentation … Continue reading

Posted in American Furniture, antiques, chair, conservation techniques, decorative motifs, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, upholstery, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AMERICAN TEXTILE CA 1890-1900

The textile after treatment, above. PROVENANCE Our client’s knew the textile’s history, though it was pieced together.  They do not know how the textile came to be, but believed that it came with the cabin. I offered that it appeared … Continue reading

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Louis XV Settees Slipcovers

The two Louis XV Ca. 1750 Settees needed slipcovers for the summer months in the south; we created lovely tailored slips for both! (To see the treatment of the two settees, go to Two Louis XV Ca. 1750 Settees.) Tailored … Continue reading

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Two Louis XV Ca. 1750 Settees

We are going to show you how we repaired the settee from the image on the left, to the conserved, reupholstered image on the right.  Many clients do not know all that goes into the conservation of an old frame … Continue reading

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Depression Era Bedside Table

This is a short story about how a little TLC can bring a family piece back to life. Our client’s depression era nightstand went though a water event. While they were away, their ceiling leaked, which damaged the finish, detail … Continue reading

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The Repair of Mary’s Antique Log Cabin Quilt

MPF Conservation recently had the pleasure of repairing a beautiful antique quilt in the Log Cabin pattern. “Log cabin quilts have a rich tradition in America going back to the mid-1800’s and, according to Karen Griska, carried special symbolism – ‘A … Continue reading

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American Piecrust Candle Table ca 1750

Our client inherited many family pieces, and the American Piecrust Mahogany & Elm Candle Table circa 1750 is a sweet and unusual piece.  The front side of the table contains a flat, leather clad pull-out tray (shown above right pulled … Continue reading

Posted in American Furniture, antiques, conservation techniques, encaustic wax, Interim Report, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, shellac, traditional varnishes, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

American White Oak Seventeenth Century Dowry Chest

Above, the American Dowry Chest before treatment, Image #1, and after, Images #2-3. Below left, the interior with the dowry chest guardian inside. HISTORY We begin this post with Mitchell’s historical musings. “Our client’s American white oak dowry chest is … Continue reading

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Two Third Republic / Louis XVI Bergères ca 1900

Two hand carved, French walnut, French or Belgian Third Republic/Louis XVI Bergères are our topic for this blog.  Our client contacted us about the bottom literally dropping out of their two bergères, shown above, Bergère #1, left, and Bergère #2, … Continue reading

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Mark Adams’ “RANUCULUS” Tapestry Conservation

Above, front of the tapestry before treatment. We had the pleasure of conserving the wonderful floral Mark Adams Tapestry named Ranuculus, shown above.  The tapestry is 70 inches wide x 78 inches tall. Mark Adams was born in Fort Plain, … Continue reading

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MINIATURE SEDAN CHAIR “VITRINE”

Our restoration of the Miniature Sedan Chair Vitrine ca 18th century was seriously limited for many reasons. The piece was a beloved sentimental family object. Shown right, the vitrine in an image taken by our client years before. We are … Continue reading

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LIBERTY COVERLET ca 1841

The blue side, where the wool yarn is showing the design, left, has much more degradation than the linen field side, right. Our client brought MPF Conservation (hereafter called MPFC) this linen and wool pocket weave blanket to be conserved: … Continue reading

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Suzi Piegols’ Textile

Above, the piece after conservation. I had the privilege to repair and conserve a portion of this unusual textile artwork created by Suzi Piegols, a well-known Oregon textile artist, shown left with a quilted piece of her own. I wish … Continue reading

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Conservation of Margaret Rose’s Sampler Ca 1832

Above, the top of the sampler with Margaret Rose’s name and location at the time of the creation of the sampler.  On either end you can see that originally the piece was intended to be hung on a rod, loop … Continue reading

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Louis XV Polychrome Commode Ca. 1730

Above, the commode before treatment; note the faux “drawers” on the front which are really hiding the door. Below, the underside of the commode. This well loved Venetian poly-chrome commode was created in the classical Louis XV Style.  It has … Continue reading

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Embellished Pillows

Several pillows were made to accompany our client’s family furniture after the design presentation:  below, images from the production process.  Pillows can make the look!   These pillows and bolsters are all hand-stitched other than the basic forms. CYLINDER BOLSTER The … Continue reading

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CW Parker Carousel, Chariot Benches

(Swipe to see the cats discovering the pony!) “Whoa… who put this here?” Savitri. “Hey, there’s a critter in the studio!”  Gibbs… “He’s not a cat….But he’s a cheery fella!  Just my size!” It is a shame the C.W.Parker Carousel … Continue reading

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“Jerry Lamb” Wingback Ca. 2010

Our client purchased the wingback chair designed by Jerry Lamb, a Portland Oregon antique dealer and interior designer. We were to do a full restoration, down to the frame, with a goal of improving upon its comfort level.  We also … Continue reading

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Hunzinger “Lollipop” Chair, 3 Finish

Our armchair, affectionately known as the “lollipop” chair, was made circa 1880.  George Jakob Hunzinger (born 1835 in Tuttingen, Germany), was a progressive designer out of New York who was often influenced in his designs by machinery; their geometry and … Continue reading

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Hunzinger “Lollipop” Chair, 2 Frame Reparation

  Our armchair, affectionately known as the “lollipop” chair, was made circa 1880.  George Jakob Hunzinger (born 1835 in Tuttingen, Germany), was a progressive designer out of New York who was often influenced in his designs by machinery; their geometry … Continue reading

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Biltmore Bellows

Our client purchased one of the bellows from the Biltmore historic collection.  While in good condition, it had issues which he wanted repaired.  The bellows was not to be used everyday, but he did want it to be usable. In … Continue reading

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Design Presentations

We don’t discuss design presentations often but they are a normal part of our business.  With every project we present options to our client.  They range from simple presentations of fabric and trims placed over the object to be conserved, … Continue reading

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Mognat of Paris Steamer Trunk, 4, Completion

This Mognat of Paris family steamer trunk ca 1900, has been round the world many times.  The heirs brought it to us to clean, stabilize the inner lining, create new handles, and to preserve the character of the outer trunk … Continue reading

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Mognat of Paris Steamer Trunk, 3, Inside and Outside

This Mognat of Paris family steamer trunk ca 1900, has been round the world many times.  The heirs brought it to us to clean, stabilize the inner lining, create new handles, and to preserve the character of the outer trunk … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Final Details

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, above. We started, as we always do, with an assessment. Then patterns were made and the textile and buildup was excavated. The  frame finish was conserved. The tapestry was cleaned and small reparations performed. … Continue reading

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End of the 2021 + Holidays

We are happy to see the back of 2021 in so many ways! It’s been a tough couple of years, trying to do business during Covid, with shortages in staffing and materials in many vendor businesses, and also, some people … Continue reading

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Looking Back at 2020 and Covid Delays

In hindsight, what we did to cope during the early days of Covid. We had to think of ways to reuse items that should be disposable…  It was impossible, for instance, to get gloves.  Most places made you register as … Continue reading

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French Walnut Country Buffet, 2, Excavation

FRENCH WALNUT COUNTY BUFFET Follow along with our interim report for our client’s French Walnut Country Buffet: Previously, we began with Assessment… Our “before” images are our reference documents! EXCAVATION We removed the doors, and then the top of the … Continue reading

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French Walnut Country Buffet, 1, Assessment

FRENCH WALNUT COUNTY BUFFET Our client’s French Walnut Country Buffet was created in the mid to late 17th century. The finish, likely original, has not been tampered with any modern finish materials… It has a lovely patina that we will … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Upholstery Buildup, Back and Arms

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, above. We started, as we always do, with an assessment. Then patterns were made and the textile and buildup was excavated. The  frame finish was conserved. The textile was cleaned and small reparations performed. … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Upholstery Buildup, Seat

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, above. We started, as we always do, with an assessment. Then patterns were made and the textile and buildup was excavated. The  frame finish was conserved. The tapestry was cleaned and small reparations performed. … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Frame Reparation

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, above. We started, as we always do, with an assessment. Then patterns were made and the textile and buildup was excavated. The  frame finish was conserved. The tapestry was cleaned and small reparations performed. … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Cleaning Textiles

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, above. We started, as we always do, with an assessment. Then patterns were made and the textile and buildup was excavated. The  frame finish was conserved. Be sure to run your cursor over images … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Finish

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil from the nineteenth century came in for treatment of the textile (gentle cleaning, and stabilizing from the back), conservation of original finish, and conservation of the upholstery buildup (innards). Before treatment images above.  We … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Excavation and Patterns

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil from the nineteenth century came in for treatment of the textile (gentle cleaning, and stabilizing from the back), conservation of original finish, and conservation of the upholstery buildup (innards). Before treatment images above, though … Continue reading

Posted in antiques, art, chair, conservation techniques, decorative motifs, Interim Report, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, textiles, upholstery, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mognat of Paris Steamer Trunk, 2, Prep Work

This Mognat of Paris family steamer trunk ca 1900, has been round the world many times.  The heirs brought it to us to clean, stabilize the inner lining, create new handles, and to preserve the character of the outer trunk … Continue reading

Posted in antiques, conservation techniques, Interim Report, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, textiles, upholstery, waxes, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mognat of Paris Steamer Trunk, 1, Assessment

This Mognat of Paris family steamer trunk ca 1900, has been round the world many times.  The heirs brought it to us to clean, stabilize the inner lining, create new handles, and to preserve the character of the outer trunk … Continue reading

Posted in antiques, conservation techniques, Interim Report, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, textiles, upholstery, waxes, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Chinese Diorama Table, 2

Continuing from the first post of our client’s Chinese carved diorama from the nineteenth century, we move now to the reparation of the figurines and decorative elements. Phase Three, Reparation We used two glues, hide (we use only Old Brown … Continue reading

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Chinese Diorama Table, 1

Our client’s Chinese carved diorama from the nineteenth century is one of the most delightful items I’ve had the pleasure to treat.  It is a pavilion over water, with big rocks with large trees of varying sorts along the base. … Continue reading

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Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil, Assessment

Our client’s Louis XIV Revival Fauteuil from the nineteenth century came in for treatment of the textile (gentle cleaning, and stabilizing from the back), conservation of original finish, and conservation of the upholstery buildup (innards). Before treatment images above, though … Continue reading

Posted in antiques, art, chair, conservation techniques, decorative motifs, Interim Report, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, upholstery, wooden objects | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Susan’s Antique Crazy Quilt Repair

End of this year I had the pleasure of repairing on our client’s Grandmother’s antique quilt. Pleasure because as I worked on it the imagined original beauty came alive;  pleasure because our client is interested and excited! Our antique quilt … Continue reading

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Dutch Spindleback Ca 1600

Edit, update from Mitchell: “The chair featured in this article is very old. It was probably well into it’s use at the time Henry Hudson first made his way up the river which became his namesake.  It was originally a … Continue reading

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Yves Telemak Beaded Voudo Textile: Ezilí Dantor

This beaded sequined textile by Yves Telemak was one of the most delightful projects I have worked on! Intricate folk art, with thousands of sequins and pearls each with a tiny seed bead! And the colors!  Modern art and folk … Continue reading

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