Can a Ceramic Lamp That Has Been Broken be Restored?

[romantico]

My Mom's cat knocked over an old ceramic lamp that my Mom has had for years and she is heartbroken over it.She hates to throw it out but at the same time keeping it around seems pointless.I would love to take the lamp and have it repaired,if possible.It broke in three places, all even breaks.When I line them up I see a faint hairline along the breaks. Simply gluing it back will look terrible.

Does anyone know that in today's advanced age if there is a way to professionally have this lamp fixed? I thought it would make a nice Christmas surprised if so, but have no clue as to who or where to take it. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Inchworm]

1. I'm sure someone can fix it

I remember someone here fixing some sort of knick-knack like that with evaporated milk or something.

Prolly best to seek out a professional though. It would be a nice holiday gift :)

:hi:

[crispini]

2. I looked into professional ceramic restoration, and yes, it can be done.

But it's kind of spendy. I think I just googled "ceramic restoration" and found several places that do it. I emailed one lady some photos of two ceramic figurines and she was able to give me some estimates via email.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. Look in your area for local pottery crafts people

there are people who can successfully reglaze ceramic.


Also, check with antiques repair people.

[romantico]

4. Thanks for the

Thanks for the suggestions. VERY Helpful!

[Resuscitated Ethics]

5. Professional conservators are more expensive than plumbers

But the good ones are ALWAYS very busy. They are chemists, magicians, artists, "Jack-of-all-Trades (masters of several). My experience has been they will accept your repair job if the story interests them.

They use dental adhesive, clamps, knowledge, and pigments. The way to present your lamp is in a bubble wrap nest in a box with ALL the pieces (including crumbs: they use the crumb for filler in the binder--the pros are microscopic).

When professionally repaired you will be unable to see the mend without prior knowledge of where it was, or a trained eye and possibly a magnifier.

My spouse broke the pastors communion goblet accidentally. The goblet was only 10 years old but a gift from the pastors late father. There was a metal band around the waist of the high-fired stoneware goblet which presented a tension challenge. I ended up paying only $350 for a month long project I would have been unable to do myself. It was totally worth it.

Do you have a nice story with your lamp? Doesn't have to be antique for a pro conservation job. I got a referral from a local art school with a ceramics department. In your town try calling the local art museum and go from there. Good luck!