Services
Restoration
Each piece is assessed, inspected and a restoration /conservation plan is mapped
out.
Through restoration a piece can be brought alive again to function well.
Pieces are dismantled, re-glued, and if needs be, stripped and sanded, cleaned
and polished.
Purchase and Sale of Antique Furniture
Antique furniture is purchased in any condition. Estate sales are undertaken,
furniture is restored and then sold, items are also sold on commission.
French Polishing
Robert is one of the very few craftsmen who specializes in the painstaking
art of French Polishing. This technique entails careful surface preparation
followed by the gradual building up of layers of shellac to a highly lustrous
finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. French polishing is
the supreme and ultimate finish. It is best suited for dark and expensive
woods such as mahogany, walnut, ebony.
Upholstery
Specialists in traditional upholstery techniques.
Including
upholstery with springs, using the finest of material and first class
workmanship.
Refinishing
Laying a protective compatible coat on a piece of furniture to extend its life
and make it more useable. A variety of techniques can be used including oiling,
waxing, , varnishing, gilding painting and French polishing.
Anti-woodworm treatment
Insect activity can completely destroy the wood from within.
The ideal solution
is to place the item in a special hermetic tent/ bubble and fumigate
it for 48 hours to ensure that insect activity has ceased. When furniture
is brought in and is suspected of having woodworm activity, it is not allowed
into the premises unless it is fumigated.
Gilding
After meticulous preparation of the area to be gilt, a very fine layer of gold
leaf is laid on the surface. Gilding of even a section or part immediately
gives an aura of grandeur and opulence
Leather
Relining of table tops and desks in various leathers and embossing as required
Restoration of Judaica, Synagogues and Holy Places
Judaica is faithfully restored while at the same time conserving its historical
and cultural integrity. Great attention and care is dedicated to ensuring
that the piece is not altered, as its history and character are embedded
and visible in its every scratch and dent.
Hand Caning
This age-old time consuming craft is practiced by very few people today. Strips
of cane are woven in patterns on seats and backs of chairs, providing true
comfort and flexibility.
Antique Frames
Frames are either hand carved or plaster cast. With age, ware and tear there
is often the need to restore dents ,chips and missing pieces or re-gilt.
Lectures
Robert is available to give lectures on antique furniture restoration. The
lectures feature before, during, and after restoration explanation and slides.
Questions on furniture maintenance, etc. are answered. The lectures last about
90 minutes and can be delivered in English, French, and Hebrew.
Decorative painting
Special Finishes
Trompe L'oeil
Painting of furniture
Insurance Claims
As furniture often gets damaged in transport from place to place insurance
companies require estimate for the repair of the damage incurred. We are
happy to provide estimates (at a fee) for insurance companies. After an estimate
is provided the actual damage can be repaired or restored.
Maintenance
For valuable and unique pieces or collections, Robert Cohen offer's a maintenance
service to keep your furniture in top condition by cleaning and waxing and
buffing minor scratches. Items may be damaged when trying to maintain and
clean pieces without the proper expertise and equipment. Robert will check
on your collection on an annual basis and thoroughly maintain all pieces
in your collection. Advice will be given on how you can best care for your
furniture throughout the year.
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