Antique clock restoration with casting and gold leaf gilding | ARC Services

A really interesting and challenging restoration project. This clock case was originally given to us to restore as a bag of bits. The case was completely re-glued. The missing figures and decorations were also carved by us out of wax. We then cast them in bronze, and gilded them with 24 carat gold leaf. All work performed by us in our Burleigh Heads workshop.
Many 'How To' videos and tutorials are available on both our Thinking Hand Studios and ARC websites for those interested in traditional conservation, restoration and hand making techniques.
Written and produced by Cal with 47 years experience as a conservator and maker with the intention of preserving and encouraging traditional hand skills.
www.arc-services.com.au
www.thinkinghandstudios.com.au

[@dr.peterrobinson6263]

Phenomenal. So nice to see such craftsmanship is still possible.

[@chesterthawkins7510]

you did a fantastic job!

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for the visit Chester. Glad you found it interesting! All the best, Cal

[@LouisXIIIPizza]

That’s the most beautiful clock I ever saw. I bet it’s worth a fortune.

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for the visit!

[@spurii4334]

So glad I stumbled on this video... beautiful workmanship. Best I've seen. Great job guys. More videos like this please!

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for your visit Spurii.

[@GothosRedux]

A description of your processes and methods would have been a good addition to what is basically a “before-and-after” video.

[@carquendo61]

Exellent job!

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for the visit Danny!

[@matthewcondon1985]

LOVE this! Such a fantastic job!!!

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for the visit Matthew!

[@theoldclockhouse]

Lovely work on the case. Whats the movement like?

[@georgebelev1900]

Why didn't you mercury gild it?

[@WGBudd801]

I own a clock made by Charles Boulle very similar to the clock in the collection if the Getty museum in LA. The case is fully restored, but lacking a couple of sections of the brass engraved inlays. Do you or do you know someone that's skilled at hand engraving? Thanks.

[@Frankowillo]

From the poses of the smaller figures, it looks as if they should each be holding a spear.

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for the visit Anon amous. Yes I am sure you are right but as practicing conservators we do as our clients request. All the best!

[@TheGreatTimSheridan]

How about a video showing how the clock works?

[@arcservicesantiquefurnitur6157]

Thanks for your interest. It was a privilege to have worked on the project. My client has the movement, which is now working in its case in Western Australia. The movement was sent to West Dean College in the UK for restoration and conservation.

[@ruimiguel9372]

Just beautiful, where did you get the figures?

[@ruimiguel9372]

Sorry, i just read that u carved the figures.

[@Frankowillo]

Actually, it was his son, Damien, who carved them from wax.