Topic: Heat to repair lamp worked / hot formed glass sculptures?

[scavo]

I have a couple of pieces of outstanding glass that have chips on extremities.

They were originally formed with glass, hot from the furnace. Would it be possible for a lamp worker to bring the glass back to the molten state to soften the edges or even reshape slightly?

[Ivo]

I think not as the expansion factor of both glass types must be identical.

[glassobsessed]

The risk of the glass cracking or shattering is high. I have seen a couple of swans with broken necks that had then been fused and they looked horrendous.

John

[scavo]

Hi Ivo, maybe I'm not being as clear as I should be. I'm talking about a Seguso heron sculpture and a 'murano(ish)' fish. In both cases they have chips. The heron is chipped on the end of his beak. The fish has a bit missing from its main fin. I wondered if the areas that have been damaged could selectively be re heated to point where the could be reworked slightly.

The alternative would be fine down the points but this would still leave a matte finish rather than bright.

[vidrioguapo]

The alternative would be fine down the points but this would still leave a matte finish rather than bright.

.......But could then be polished......seen it  and the results were fantastic. You'd never know a repair had been done.

[Paul S.]

Can you expand a little Emmi  -  where and by whom, and is it viable only for valuable pieces.  -  as could be useful information.

[chopin-liszt]

 

If a repair is of a quality that leads folk to think it had never been done, I'm afraid I think one can be getting into dodgy ground when it comes to buying or selling - and even if you intend to keep it for your lifetime - there is no telling what sort of muddle could arise later
Repairs should always be declared.
I personally think they ought to be obvious in some small, subtle way.

[vidrioguapo]

There are several glass restorers in the UK that I am aware of, ( I think both have been mentioned on this Forum in the past) - they do a highly professional and skilled job. 

I can't give any details as I am abroad at the moment and don't have info to hand but most professional dealers will know.

I have been told that many a glass dealer at the major glass fairs use these people.  I have never seen it broadcast that any item has been repaired.  Personally, if a piece looks perfect, why should it matter that it may have had some cosmetic surgery.( and it is usually undetectable, unlike cosmetic surgery on humans)  It is done with ceramics, jewellery , furniture and books etc. throughout the Antiques Trade.

Just found this recommendation on a previous thread.  Interesting.   

Offline chopin-liszt

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Re: GLASS REPAIR! PLEEEEEZE.

« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2011, 06:06:47 PM »

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I don't know where you are, but Basil (Loveredge - sp???) in London is absolutely excellent. I've been told he's getting pricey, but if you want a good job done on a good piece, I think he's worth it.
(I've got the hassle of getting things to him from here in Dundee - and an even harder job getting things back - I have to do it via family members who don't always want to part with my glass once they've got their mitts on it!)
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Cheers, Sue (M)

[Patrick]

Just found this recommendation on a previous thread.  Interesting.   

Love it.....................

[chopin-liszt]

Not all repairs are "hidden".
Any restoration should always be mentioned and documented. I would never consider doing otherwise.
It's the business of passing a restored thing off as unrestored that is dishonest.
How flattering that folk hang on my every word from yonks ago!