Breathing Life Back Into History
Restoring historic landmarks is more than a technical task — it’s an art form. Each surface carries decades, sometimes centuries, of weathering, pollutants, and wear. The goal isn’t to erase that history but to preserve it, allowing the craftsmanship beneath to shine once again. At Bespoke Patination, we treat every restoration as a balance between respect for heritage and the precision of modern techniques.
The George Palmer Statue, Reading
One recent example of this work is the restoration of the George Palmer statue in Reading, Berkshire, a project completed in collaboration with Reading Borough Council. Over time, the bronze statue had become dulled and discoloured from environmental exposure. Using a series of specialist methods, our team brought the monument back to its original brilliance.
Materials Used:
Nylon pads, fine phosphor bronze brushes, bronze powder, decorroding gel, and sulphide-based bronzing solutions.
Restoration Techniques:
High-pressure steam cleaning to remove layers of dirt, pollutants, and old wax.
Manual gel cleaning to gently thin corrosion without damaging the bronze.
Mild abrasive polishing with nylon pads and bronze brushes to even out texture.
Patination using sulphide-based solutions to recreate the statue’s deep bronze tone.
Finishing with three coats of Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax, flame-cured with propane torches and buffed by hand for lasting protection.
(You can read the full press release from Reading Borough Council here).
Preserving the Past, One Surface at a Time
Projects like this highlight the care, patience, and craftsmanship behind every restoration. From public sculptures and architectural details to interior fittings, we ensure that each surface is restored with integrity. For large-scale or on-site conservation work, Bespoke Patination provides expert treatments directly at heritage locations, preserving history where it stands.
Behind every gleaming landmark is a team of skilled specialists dedicated to keeping history alive. Whether you’re responsible for a heritage site, a public artwork, or a cherished private collection, Bespoke Patination can help restore and protect its legacy.
