Sculpture Repair Information

I have no one I can recommend, either. There aren't a lot of people out there saying they do such work.

The best advice I can offer is:

If the sculpture that needs repairing is particularly valuable, ancient, or by a well known artist, you need a trained conservator. Such people exist, but they are hard to find. Try:

• An internet search for "sculpture restoration" or "art restoration", possibly followed by the city you live in. There are conservators listed on the internet.
• Contact local museums and high end art galleries. Ask if they have a conservator they use and recommend.
• You can also contact local university art and archaeology departments and ask if they know of any local conservators that you could talk to.
• Your local university might even offer a degree in art conservation. Such degree programs go by several names, so be sure to look around carefully if you wind up trying this.

If the sculpture doesn't require a trained conservator - maybe it was carved by a less known sculptor, a family member, or has only sentimental value - a conservator is still a fine choice, but you might also hire a sculptor to repair it if they are willing and have experience repairing things. Many sculptors have such experience because, frankly, things break. They get dropped, knocked over, or bumped and bruised in the studio or gallery. Gluing them back together and making them look good again becomes something at least some sculptors figure out. That said, most probably won't bother offering to repair the work of others, so it may be hard to find someone.

Here are some suggestions on how to find a local artist that might be willing to assist you:

• Contact local art galleries and ask if they have any stone sculptors they represent and if so if they can get a message to them to see if they are interested in the job. Or get their names and look at websites for contact information.
• Art departments at local colleges are also places you might find someone, either a teacher or a referral to a local sculptor.
• If you are in a major city, consider looking for stone yards, where sculptors purchase stone (again, a web search can help). If you're in a more rural setting, see if perhaps you have quarries nearby where stone is extracted and sold to sculptors. Both quarries and stone yards may be able to refer you to local sculptors that might do the job. After all, they know their local clients, and my local stone yard has a bulletin board full for referrals.
• Visit local art shows & fairs to see if any local sculptors are exhibiting. Ask if they can help, or know someone who can.
• If your town has an open studios event, get a program and look for sculptors. Visit them and ask them about your need.

In any case, I wish you good luck!

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