Topics

The course covers all aspects of repair and restoration of antique pottery and porcelain. Its method combines the best of English and American practices. Its purpose is to recapture as closely as possible, the original appearance - the potter's intent. Only careful, conscientious restoration, without destructive alterations can preserve all values of a piece - historic, aesthetic and monetary.

Procedures explained by the course include:

Ethics and scruples in ceramics restoration

Detecting good repairs
Removing stains and old repairs

Joining single and multiple breaks
Filling chips, plain and fancy

Modeling and casting missing parts
Synthetic glaze, color and design

Crazing, texture, matting, special effects
Airbrush and drill
Painting - to obscure the damage

Sources for supplies

Central to the course is the identification of all materials by common, or generic, name to avoid the high cost of proprietary "secret" substances. Most materials are inexpensive and available locally; a good supply comes with the course.

Restoration, taught as a craft, makes it accessible to the adult learner without an art training background. Craftsmanship requires only patience and persistence. Techniques which are difficult to learn from books are demonstrated and practiced in class. Many of the principles which apply to all pottery, stoneware and porcelain, including dolls, are also applicable to glass.

Enrollment is limited to assure personal attention. Participants may learn in one intensive week, all they need to know for the practice that can lead to competence.

Materials to Bring Materials Supplied Registration Details