Anne Messner

Furniture Conservation & Restoration

Anne Messner specializes in the restoration of antique furniture, carefully preserving original materials, craftsmanship, and historical integrity. Each project is approached with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to ethical conservation & restoration practices.

Using traditional materials and techniques alongside carefully chosen modern methods, Anne works on a wide range of antiques- from fine domestic furniture to heirloom and museum quality pieces.

Welcome

“The fundamental role of the Conservator / Restorer is the preservation of cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.”

— E.C.C.O. the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorer,s Organisations

Services

Structural Restoration

Restoring furniture with damaged or missing sections using traditional techniques such as traditional joinery, wood turning and wood carving. Wherever possible, matching timber of the same age and quality is used. Loose joints etc are glued with traditional bone and hide glue to keep the integrity of your furniture intact.

Surface Restoration

French polishing, wax finishing, colouring with stains, dyes, and chemicals. Restoring furniture that is painted or decorated with water and oil gilding, as well as lacquered surfaces. In keeping with the original ,Anne finishes each piece with its intended finish. Not every piece needs a full refinish , a small section can be carefuly restored to create a homogeneous surface.

Veneer and Marquetry

Replacement of missing or damaged veneer or marquetry as well as the restoration of damages from burns, lifting or bubbling veneers.

Painted wooden objects

Restoring objects that are painted or decorated with water and oil gilding. Materials and methods are determined prior restoration and restored or replaced with like.

Locks, Glass and Plastics

Specialty services including locks, glass or plastics are outsourced to relevant experts, Conservators/Restorers.

Cane and Rush Furniture Restoration

Whether your furniture is fitted with modern cords, cane, seagrass, or natural or fiber rush, material and patterns can be restored in some cases or replaced with the same as the original.

Wooden Objects

Restoring or Replacing missing wooden objects or parts.

Treatment and condition reports

Some collections may require a detailed condition report prior restoration. Treatment reports can also be drawn to record work and materials used in the restoration process of an antique object. This is common practice in an museum environment and also suitable for the treatment for fine antiques in private practice.

Upholstery

If you are looking to get your Furniture reupholstered ,I would recommend Fine Upholstery in Craughwell , Co. Galway. contact Phil , Fine Upholstery

087 969 4990.

Learn more about Services

About the work

Anne,s work is grounded in professional conservation and restoration principles informed by by both academic training and extensive hands on work. Each piece is treated with care and attention, aiming to preserve the original material and character while restoring functionality and visual appeal.

Her journey into restoration began with a passion for woodworking and an understanding of the materials that make up fine furniture. Over the years, Anne has honed her skills through hands-on practice and continuous learning, studying traditional techniques and modern advancements in restoration practices.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Anne has built a loyal and diverse clientele and earned a reputation for her craftsmanship and dedication. Her deep appreciation for the artistry and history embodied in fine furniture informs every project she undertakes.

Anne's work often involves repairing structural damage, refinishing surfaces, and employing specialized techniques to clean and restore the original finish of a piece. She has worked on a wide range of antiques from medieval to to mid-century modern. Each project presents unique challenges, and Anne approaches them all with a problem-solving mindset.

Beyond her technical prowess, Anne values building relationships with her clients. She understands that each piece of furniture carries personal significance and history, and she takes the time to listen to her clients’ stories and vision for their restoration projects. This collaborative approach ensures that the final result meets or exceeds their expectations.

Through her work, Anne aims to extend the life of historical furniture and connect current and future generations with the craftsmanship of the past.

More about Anne