Conservation of Furniture

Conservation of Furniture is a comprehensive reference on furniture conservation and restoration. This digital edition is presented as a PDF download, so you gain instant access after purchase. Written by Shayne Rivers and Nick Umney, the book draws on practical museum experience and scientific research.

This volume examines furniture from historical, material, and practical perspectives. It covers the full range of materials used in furniture, from wood and upholstery to decorative finishes. The text is designed for conservators, students, and advanced furniture makers.

Book Overview

Conservation of Furniture gives a thorough overview of the principles and practice of furniture conservation. The book is organized into three major parts: history, materials, and deterioration. It begins with a review of furniture history from earliest times to the twentieth century, then explains wood and wooden structures, upholstery materials, plastics, coatings, adhesives, and materials such as ivory, bone, metals, ceramics, glass, and stone. Later sections cover deterioration caused by environment and use, and the development of logical conservation solutions.

The authors combine knowledge from active conservators with theoretical and reference material. The result is an integrated resource for professionals working in conservation and for students of museology. The digital PDF edition is available for instant download, and the full table of contents is included for reference.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Historical survey of furniture from Egypt, Greece, Rome, the medieval period, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the twentieth century.
• Detailed analysis of wood anatomy, identification, moisture relations, mechanical properties, and wooden furniture structures.
• Examination of upholstery materials, hardware, support systems, and adhesives.
• Coverage of plastics, polymers, coatings, binding media, consolidants, and identification methods.
• Chapters on ivory, bone, horn, turtleshell, mollusc shell, paper, metals, ceramics, glass, stone, and colorants.
• Review of environmental deterioration, including light, heat, humidity, pollution, and biological agents.
• Practical guidance on disaster preparation, preventive conservation, and the consequences of deterioration in wooden structures.

Why This Book Matters

Furniture conservation requires an understanding of both craft history and material science. This book links the two. It is used by conservators, museum professionals, and advanced makers because it explains not only how objects were made, but also why they fail and how to respond.

The authors were senior furniture conservators at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Their direct experience gives the book a practical edge. The reprint edition forms part of the Routledge Series in Conservation and Museology and has received positive reader ratings.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped. After purchase, you can access the PDF through your account and download it to your device. The file works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile phones, and compatible reading software.

FAQ

How soon will I receive the book?
Access is available immediately after purchase. You can download the PDF file at once.

Will a physical book be shipped?
No. This is a digital edition, so there is no postal delivery. The file is delivered electronically.

Which devices can I use?
The PDF can be opened on compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, and mobile reading apps.

If you work with historic furniture or study conservation, this digital reference belongs in your library. Add the PDF download to your cart and start reading Conservation of Furniture today.