Working on an antique piece is a bit like traveling back in time. Recently, I had the pleasure of restoring a pedestal dating from around 1890, likely crafted in the style of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré workshops. Every detail tells a story, but time had left its mark: missing marquetry, worn shellac, and a fragile structure.
To bring it back to life, I focused on preserving its authenticity: replacing missing mahogany cubes, stripping the old finish, reinforcing the structure, and carefully reglueing all the components. The top and legs regained their shine thanks to a meticulous application of shellac, finished with a delicate wax polish for a soft, warm patina true to the 19th-century spirit.
The result? A stable, elegant pedestal full of character, ready to continue its story in a modern or classic interior. Restoration allows past and present to meet while honoring the soul of the piece.
