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Yale Beinecke Rare Book Library bronze and teak custom casework fabricated by Olek Inc.

Specialty Services

Furniture Conservation & Custom Fabrication

Museum-quality furniture conservation and custom fabrication — bronze and teak casework, architectural elements, and AIC-standard preservation.

Before & After

George III period mahogany dining table and chairs after conservation and restoration by Olek Inc.
AIC Standards

01

Museum-Grade Conservation

Our conservation work follows the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic and Artistic Works. Peter Triestman has been an AIC member since 1991, ensuring every treatment is documented, reversible, and executed with museum-grade precision.

We stabilise and preserve original material rather than replacing it. This approach is essential for museum pieces, historically significant furniture, and items where originality determines value.

Yale Beinecke Rare Book Library bronze and teak custom casework fabricated by Olek Inc.
Institutional

02

Bronze & Teak Casework

We fabricate and restore bronze and teak casework for institutional and commercial clients. Our work at the Yale Beinecke Rare Book Library included vitrines, lockers, security desk and reception desk — all in bronze and teak to the original specifications.

Each piece is engineered to meet the durability demands of high-traffic institutional environments while maintaining the aesthetic standards of the original design.

Antique gilded Louis and Italian Rococo furniture after gold leaf restoration and conservation by Olek Inc.
Preservation

03

Gilded & Decorative Conservation

Conservation differs from restoration: we stabilise and preserve the original material rather than replacing it. For gilded furniture, this means consolidating original gold leaf, addressing structural issues in the substrate, and protecting surfaces with archival-quality coatings.

This approach is essential for museum pieces, historically significant furniture, and items where originality determines value.

Sunball Lounge Chair by Gunter Ris and Herbert Selldorf after complete restoration and reupholstery by Olek Inc.
Bespoke

04

Precision Custom Fabrication

From replicating lost hardware for a Sunball Lounge Chair — one of only seven ever made — to fabricating custom architectural elements for a Morristown estate, our artisans create precision components that integrate seamlessly with original pieces.

We reverse-engineer missing parts, match period materials, and produce components indistinguishable from originals using both traditional hand techniques and modern precision tooling.

Our Process

Conservation with documentation at every step.

Every conservation project begins with rigorous assessment and ends with a comprehensive report. We follow AIC-standard protocols to ensure treatments are documented, reversible, and scientifically grounded.<br /> <br /> Our four-step process provides full transparency — from initial condition evaluation through material analysis, treatment execution, and final documentation — so you know exactly what was done and why.

Fully insured, white-glove handling

Pickup & delivery in the tri-state area

Up to 50-year warranty on select work

Documented process, regular updates

Free estimates within 24 hours

75+

Years of Expertise

AIC

Conservation Member

40+

Master Artisans

50yr

Warranty

01

Assessment & Documentation

Thorough examination of condition, provenance, and construction. We photograph every surface and detail structural issues, previous repairs, and areas of concern.

02

Material Analysis

Identification of original materials, finishes, and adhesives. We determine the best treatment approach based on the piece's age, construction method, and intended use.

03

Conservation Treatment

Execution of approved treatment plan using reversible methods and archival-quality materials. Every step follows AIC guidelines with full documentation of products and techniques used.

04

Final Report & Return

Comprehensive conservation report with before/after photography, treatment details, and care recommendations. The piece is safely packed and returned with complete documentation.

Furniture Restoration, Conservation & Custom Fabrication FAQ.

What is the difference between conservation and restoration?

Conservation focuses on stabilising and preserving original material using reversible treatments — essential for museum pieces and historically significant furniture. Restoration aims to return a piece to a specific appearance, which may involve replacing original material. We offer both approaches and recommend the right one based on your piece's significance and intended use.

What does AIC membership mean for my project?

The American Institute for Conservation sets the ethical and professional standards for conservation practice. As an AIC member since 1991, Peter Triestman follows their Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice — meaning every treatment is documented, reversible where possible, and executed with the highest professional standards.

What types of custom fabrication do you handle?

We fabricate precision components in wood, bronze, teak, and other materials — from replicating missing hardware on rare collectible furniture to producing full casework systems for institutional clients like Yale's Beinecke Library. If it can be built from wood or metal, our artisans can engineer and produce it.

How do I know if my piece needs conservation or standard repair?

If your piece is a museum-quality antique, has historical significance, or its value depends on originality, conservation is the right approach. For everyday antiques and family heirlooms that need functional repair, standard restoration may be more appropriate. Send us photos and we will recommend the best path.

Sunball Lounge Chair by Gunter Ris and Herbert Selldorf after complete restoration and reupholstery by Olek Inc.

Discuss Your Project

Conservation requires precision. Let's talk.

Send photos or documentation for a free assessment, or call to discuss scope, condition, and timeline. Our conservation team will evaluate your piece and recommend the right approach — whether museum-grade conservation, expert restoration, or custom fabrication.

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