Furniture

Historic furniture constitutes a considerable part of works of art in Wawel Royal Castle. Therefore it is necessary to have a separate furniture restoration workshop. Restoration work concentrates on the prevention of damage to substance caused by woodworm. The restorers’ task is to bring back the original splendour of furniture, by strengthening or recreating its construction, filling in missing fragments of decoration, veneer or inlay, reconstructing gilt or polychrome, cleaning the surface, waxing or French-polishing it, or correcting mistakes of earlier, often amateurish attempts at renovation. The main rule followed by furniture restorers is the retention of the highest degree of authenticity of the furniture, prevention of excessive restoration intervention and the achievement of the original aesthetic effect. The team at the furniture restoration workshop cooperates closely with other Wawel restoration workshops and with the Department of Furniture and Clocks.