Save your fabulous furniture
Taalmonument offers bilingual workshop with esteemed antiques restorer
Like art, antique furniture also needs to be restored and conserved for the sake of its value (and functionality). In support of South Africa’s heritage the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) is offering a Museum Conservation workshop for furniture lovers – under the guidance of esteemed antiques restorer Emmeke van der Meulen – on 6 September 2018. Although the day is focused on the preservation of museum collections with the emphasis on furniture restoration and how to avoid damage, it is not only aimed at museum staff. It will also acquaint non-professionals with the basic knowledge they need to look after and restore their collections.
Van der Meulen qualified in antique furniture restoration, gilding and polychromy in Belgium after seven years of training. She established conservation companies in various countries, lectured in antique furniture conservation and restoration at Stellenbosch University, and is the expert on antique furniture for the South African Heritage Resources Agency.
Some of the aspects that will be discussed are:
• Restoration philosophy
• Woods used in Cape Dutch furniture
• Causes of damage to antique furniture
• Museum quality restoration versus commercial restoration
• Conservation and maintenance
The bilingual workshop takes place in the conference room of the Taalmonument in Gabbema Doordriftstraat on Paarl Mountain from 09:00 to 16:00. It costs R300 per person, which includes a free visit to the monument as well as coffee/tea and sweet treats. Participants can bring their own lunch or support the local restaurant. For more information on Van der Meulen, see www.studioantiques.co.za
Places are limited, so please book timely with Jeffrey Pietersen on 021 872 3441 or send an e-mail to bemarking2@taalmuseum.co.za. The ATM annually presents a series of courses and workshops focusing on the development of basic professional skills. This year’s programme includes subjects such as book repairing, poetry writing and star trails photography. Anyone interested in related subjects are welcome to make suggestions for additional workshops. See www.taalmonument.co.za for more and follow us on Facebook.