Pottery restoration is the process of repairing damaged ceramics, including earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, to restore their structural integrity and, where desired, their appearance. Typical work includes cleaning, reassembling broken pieces, filling chips and losses, and retouching decoration and glaze.
Historic repairs take many forms. Before modern adhesives, broken ceramics were often riveted with metal staples drilled into the body, and such old repairs are now regarded as part of an object's history. Modern restoration uses reversible adhesives, fillers and paints, and ranges from a discreet conservation repair, where the damage remains visible on close inspection, to a full invisible restoration that disguises it completely. Conservators generally favour minimal, reversible intervention, particularly for important pieces. Buyers should be aware that extensive restoration can be difficult to detect and significantly affects value, so pieces should be examined under good light, by tapping, and where necessary with ultraviolet light, which reveals many modern fillers and overpaint. A reputable seller will disclose known restoration in a condition report. For decorative pieces intended for display, a well-executed restoration can be a sensible way to enjoy an object that would otherwise be unsuitable for use.
