THE BRITISH ANTIQUE DEALERS’ ASSOCIATION The Care of Antiques & Works of Art The Care of Antiques & Works of Art Antiques have been passed down by our ancestors over the centuries to our present generation, so by their very nature have stood the test of time. They may have taken a few knocks in those earlier ages, but surprisingly, despite all our 21st-century creature comforts, it is the modern world, with its central heating and chemical cleaning products, which poses particular challenges for such objects. You may have spent a considerable sum acquiring a beautiful and valuable antique, so you do not want to throw away that investment by failing to look after it. Half the battle is knowing just when to try and remedy a defect yourself and when to leave it to the experts. Here are some basic recommendations, compiled through extensive consultation with specialists who have the greatest experience of handling antiques on a daily basis – members of The British Antique Dealers’ Association. We hope this guide helps you to decide what to do, and when. INTERNATIONAL DIVISION As specialist fine art & antique Lloyd’s insurance brokers we are delighted to sponsor this BADA guide. Besso Limited • 8‒11 Crescent • London ec3n 2ly near America Square Telephone +44 ⁽0⁾20 7480 1094 Fax +44 ⁽0⁾20 7480 1277
[email protected] • www.besso.co.uk Published for The British Antique Dealers’ Association by CRAFT PUBLISHING 16–24 Underwood Street • London n1 7jq T: +44⁽0⁾207 1483 483 E:
[email protected] www.craftpublishing.com The Association gratefully acknowledges the editorial assistance of Nöel Riley in compiling this guide.