With expertise in the preservation of picture and mirror frames, gilt furniture, and decorative architectural details, I offer comprehensive conservation services tailored to meet your needs. My services encompass a wide range of specialties, including treatment, surveys, consultation, and the creation of whole or partial replicas.
Having started my private practice in 1999, I have had the privilege of working at prestigious institutions such as the Tate Gallery and the Royal Collection. These experiences have shaped my expertise and refined my techniques, allowing me to provide top-notch conservation services to my clients.
As an accredited member of the Institute of Conservation and a listed professional on the Conservation Register, we adhere to the highest industry standards. My commitment to quality ensures that your valuable possessions are treated with the utmost care and respect. With our meticulous approach and extensive knowledge, I guarantee exceptional results in the conservation and restoration of your cherished items.
Frame conservation
Frame conservation is at the core of my practice. I assess each frame’s structural integrity, surface condition, and finish deterioration to design appropriate treatments. This can include infilling, rejoining, surface cleaning, consolidation, and gilding repairs. I treat every frame as a unique historic object, ensuring that both its aesthetic and physical qualities are preserved. I work closely with museums, galleries, and private collectors to ensure artworks are presented in historically appropriate, secure, and well-conserved frames.
Carving and Gilding
I specialise in the conservation and restoration of carved and gilded surfaces, including frames, mirrors, and furniture. I use traditional skills such as water gilding, punchwork, and burnishing, alongside careful repair of carved elements. When ornamentation is missing, I re-carve replacements using historically accurate materials and techniques. Whether I’m stabilising flaking layers or recreating lost decorative features, I focus on preserving the original craftsmanship while ensuring long-term durability. Each treatment is based on a detailed assessment and fully documented.
Architectural Decoration
I conserve historic architectural features, including banisters, pediments, architraves and carved panelling. I frequently collaborate with designers and other conservators, providing comprehensive documentation for each project. My aim is to safeguard the historical and visual integrity of period interiors while ensuring long-term preservation.
Consultation and Surveys
I provide conservation consultancy and condition surveys for picture frames, furniture, and architectural decoration. My services include pre-acquisition advice, preventive care planning, and detailed condition reporting with photographs. These surveys help clients make informed decisions about prioritising treatment, budgeting, and applying for funding. Whether working with museums, heritage bodies, or private individuals, I tailor my assessments to the specific needs of the objects and collections, always aiming for ethical and sustainable conservation outcomes.
Training
I offer bespoke training sessions and workshops on frame conservation, gilding techniques, and traditional materials. These sessions are designed for heritage professionals, students, or individuals interested in historic decorative arts. I tailor content to suit the audience, from introductory talks to hands-on practical sessions. My goal is to share knowledge and promote understanding of historical craftsmanship, ethical conservation practices, and the materials used in traditional decoration. Training can be delivered on-site or remotely, depending on the needs of the organisation.
Restored scrolls
State Bed of Prince Tallyrand
Commemorative Shields
New Scroll section
George III giltwood armchairs
Biography
Mike Howden BSc (Hons) ACR
I trained at London Guildhall University and obtained a BSc with First Class Honours in Restoration and Conservation (Decorative Surfaces) specialising in carving and gilding. I interned to the carving and gilding workshop at the Royal Collection in St.James’s, London and was lucky enough to contribute work to the restoration of the fire damaged West Wing of Windsor Castle. Following that I became an apprentice to a London based traditional framemaker who specialised in producing replica frames from the renaissance to eighteenth century Europe – and consequently I have made replica frames for Institutions worldwide. I then went to work in the frame conservation department at the Tate Gallery, Millbank, London (under the late John Anderson). Finally leaving London in 1999 to become a private conservator.
I became fully accredited with the Institute of Conservation (Icon) in 2004 and went on to serve as a specialist on the accreditation committee for 12 years. I believe accreditation is an important qualification for the profession. If you would like to know more then visit the Icon website.