CONSERVATION and Restoration
Over the years Peter has carried out minor repairs, such as cleaning, ranging to major reconstructive work on many significant early Australian Cedar pieces. His philosophy has always been one of minimal intervention ...doing only what is absolutely necessary.
Because Peter carries a large stock of Australian Cedar he is able to reconstruct pieces with significant areas missing.
Left is an example of an extremely rare early chest of drawers c.1820, restored by Peter Gibbs. This chest has 17th Century influences rather than the usual 18th Century ones and has Casuarina knobs and escutcheons. The accompanying images show it first in its ‘as found’ state, then being appraised by the Furniture History Society, and finally in its restored state as a piece of national significance.
CONSULTING SERVICES
Peter has advised clients for many years in the following areas;- Purchase of Australian colonial cedar furniture (authenticity, extent and cost of repair work, price guide).
- Conservation, restoration and maintenance of Australian cedar colonial furniture.
- Conservation, restoration and maintenance of Australian cedar joinery, including instructing and supervising tradespeople on site.
- Assembling collections of Australian colonial cedar furniture.
PETER GIBBS’S FRENCH POLISH REVIVER
Many old finishes can be saved by cleaning rather than unnecessary removal. Many years ago Peter developed a cleaner which was so successful that David Jones, Sydney, once stocked it in their Antiques Department (now closed). Many eminent dealers and other restorers have used this product for years. It is available in 500ml bottles either by pick up or mail order. Please contact us for details.There are many ‘snake oils ‘available which make all sorts of spurious claims. This one works.