Robert Mussey Associates provides comprehensive resources for the conservation of woodwork, finishes and upholstery.

Consultation and Collection Care
• Surveys, vetting and authentication of individual objects
• Writing specifications for the treatment of woodwork, finishes and upholstery for architects and designers
• Providing routine examination and maintenance of large collections
• Historical Research

Analysis
• Evaluation and documentation of paint and finish histories
• Microscopic and chemical identification of clear finishes, paint binders, and pigments
• Macro and microscopic identification of soft and hardwood species
• Examinations with x-radiography , infrared reflectography, and ultraviolet fluorescence

Woodwork
• Repairing and reconstructing traditional cabinetry and joinery
• Stabilizing and repairing veneers, marquetry, Boulle-work and other forms of inlay
• Repairing, producing or duplicating carved, turned or cast elements
• Stabilizing wood deterioration and insect damage

 

Finishes
• Identifying and recovering obscured historic finishes
• Cleaning and stabilizing existing historic finishes, paints, and oriental lacquer
• Locally compensating losses and damage to blend with existing finishes

Upholstery
• Identifying and preserving original hand-stitched upholstery foundations and details
• Stabilizing historic show covers and trim
• Re-upholstering frames with either traditional hand tied upholstery or using minimally intrusive techniques to create useable foundations for fragile and historically significant frames

Gilding
• Stabilizing and cleaning traditional water and oil gilding as well as other gilt stencil or powder decorations
• Locally repairing losses to gesso and reproducing missing cast ornaments
• Locally gilding repaired surfaces with traditional gold leaf to match existing finishes

Associated Materials
• Preserving brass hardware, ormolu mounts, clear glass, mirror glass, leather, paper and other associated material used on furniture

©2009 ROBERT MUSSEY ASSOCIATES
617-364-4054