Caring for Your Pieces

Old pieces are tougher than they look, and a little care keeps them that way for another hundred years.

Timber

Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid spray polishes and anything with silicone, which builds up and clouds the surface. Once or twice a year, a thin coat of good beeswax, buffed well, keeps old timber nourished.

Keep pieces out of strong direct sun and away from heaters and air-conditioning vents. Old timber moves with the seasons, and a steady room keeps joints and tops happy. Use coasters and mats: an old table has earned its marks, but there is no need to add new ones.

Painted surfaces

Original paint is delicate. Dust gently and never scrub. A barely damp cloth is the most it needs.

Pottery and stoneware

Old glazes can craze and some pieces are porous. Most of our pottery is best kept for display; if you would like to use a piece with food or water, ask us first. Hand wash only, never in the dishwasher.

Iron and metal

Wipe with a dry cloth. A little wax helps protect forged iron from moisture. Never leave candles burning unattended.

Linen, hemp and textiles

Wash antique linen gently by hand or on a cool, delicate cycle and dry it in the shade. Tapestries and fragile textiles should never be washed; vacuum them through a fine net on low suction.