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The difference between restoration, conservation & preservation, and reinterpretation is that restoration is primarily concerned with the appearance and function of a piece; while conservation and preservation are concerned with preserving the object's structure, with countering physical deterioration, and with preserving the object’s history and value to the greatest extent possible.   At MPF, antiques are treated with utmost respect; conservation is our intent.  Restoration, though it introduces new materials, often maintains a sense of the history of the piece  - a new blue cotton velvet replaces an old worn red wool velvet.  (Click here to view the Restoration of the Egg Chair.)

Reinterpretation involves a departure from the historical intention of the piece, and at MPF, this often involves a sense of whimsy and humor!   We are unwilling to reinterpret items of value, and will discuss with our client the pros and cons of both restorative and reinterpretive processes. 

In upholstered pieces, restoration may range from historical accuracy, if possible, including milling exact copies of the original fabric and trims, all the way, to alluding to the period with modern milled fabric reminiscent of the period’s style.  It may mean rebuilding the form with an eye to the manner it was originally intended, after a poor upholstery job has been performed.  Restoration on case goods and frames may mean repairing broken or chipped parts, or repairing damaged finish areas.  If the piece has been badly damaged, especially where extensive water damage has occurred, it may mean constructing a new part, or refinishing the wood, preferably in the original manner. 

Not all upholstery restoration involves reupholstery.  To view restored leather items (not reupholstered, but items that have had their leather revived) visit our Leather Restoration page.

For a detailed explanation of the difference between Conservation & Restoration, visit our article on the difference in the various terms, "Conservation?" 

To understand the Restoration Process, step by step, visit our article on "Process." 

Before you toss that old sofa or chair, view our Restoration Portfolio of Before & After pieces!   

Restoration Portfolio

On these and connecting pages, left, we present case histories on a number of Conservation / Restoration projects:  

The purpose of these pages is to familiarize our potential clients with the conservation process and techniques.  Please excuse the longer download time on these pages.

We also have:

Note:  All customer names have been changed to protect their privacy. 

Contact Information

                                Telephone:   503.970.2509 / 541.899.3306

                                        E-mail: [Sorry for the inconvenience.  Our email addresses are spelled out so the spammers can't simply

                                                               lift them easily.  Copy and paste, & substitute the @ sign for the "(at)" with no spaces.]

                                            General Information:  MitchellRPowell (at) aol.com

                                            Webmistress:  Dkatiepowell (at) aol.com

 ©Mitchell Powell Furnishings                          Clipart graphics from Microsoft
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