Antique Brass & Bronze Restoration

We restore period brass and bronze with finishes that respect the age and style of each piece.

We restore Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian brass and bronze metalwork with attention to their age, style, and original character. Whether it's architectural salvage, period door furniture, antique fire surrounds, or decorative pieces, we understand that these items belong to a specific time and need restoring with that in mind. Our work includes removing corrosion and tarnish, repairing damage, deciding on appropriate finishes (high polish, aged patina, or something between), and protecting the metal for years to come. The Stevenson family has restored antique brass and bronze since 1962, working for period property owners, interior designers, architectural salvage dealers, and collectors across London and the UK.

Why Period Property Owners and Designers Trust Us

Antique brass and bronze restoration requires understanding of period styles, appropriate finishes, and how much character to preserve. We've worked on Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian pieces for over 60 years.

Three generations of experience with period metalwork
We understand Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian styles and finishes
Respect for patina and aged character when it suits the piece
Work with period property owners, designers, and salvage dealers
Experience with architectural brass, door furniture, and decorative metalwork
Honest advice on appropriate finishes for each era and style
Transparent pricing based on condition and restoration approach

How We Restore Antique Brass & Bronze

Restoring period brass and bronze isn't a single approach. The work depends on the piece, the era, the condition, and what finish suits its style and use. Here's how we work.

Assess the Piece and Era

We check the age, style, condition, and how the piece was originally finished. Victorian brass often had high polish. Georgian pieces sometimes had softer finishes. Understanding the period guides our approach.

Discuss Finish Options

Not every antique benefits from being polished to look new. Some pieces suit an aged patina. Others look right with a high shine. We explain what's appropriate and let you decide the direction.

Remove Corrosion and Tarnish

Years of oxidation, verdigris, and corrosion get carefully removed. We take care around decorative details, engraving, and delicate areas that can be easily damaged.

Repair Damage

Broken parts, dents, bent sections, and structural issues get repaired using proper metalworking. The goal is repairs that last and suit the age of the piece.

Polish to Appropriate Level

We polish based on the finish you've chosen and what suits the piece. High polish for some Victorian brass. Softer, aged finish for others. Period accuracy guides the decision.

Protect the Finish

Lacquer can be applied to slow tarnish, or we can leave the metal natural to age gradually. The choice depends on how you'll use or display the piece.

Turnaround is typically 2 to 3 weeks for most antique brass and bronze. Complex pieces or extensive repairs take longer.

Types of Antique Brass & Bronze We Work On

We restore all kinds of period brass and bronze, from Victorian door furniture to Georgian decorative pieces. If it's antique metalwork, we can help.

Door Furniture and Architectural Fittings Victorian door handles, knobs, escutcheons, finger plates, letter boxes, door knockers, hinges, push plates, period locks, and Georgian door furniture.

Fire Surrounds and Hearth Furniture Victorian brass fire surrounds, fenders, companion sets, coal scuttles, fire irons, trivets, and decorative fireplaces fittings.

Lighting and Chandeliers Victorian gas light fittings, brass chandeliers, wall sconces, oil lamps, candelabras, and period light fixtures (metal components only, not electrical work).

Decorative and Household Picture frames, mirrors, clock cases, decorative panels, plant stands, jardinières, coal boxes, ornamental pieces, and Victorian decorative brass.

Architectural Salvage Reclaimed period brass, architectural hardware, building fittings, salvaged door furniture, and pieces from demolished period properties.

Bronze Items Decorative bronze figures, sculptures, architectural mounts, period bronze hardware, and ornamental bronze pieces.

Who Uses Our Antique Brass Restoration Service

Period property owners, architectural salvage dealers, interior designers, and collectors bring us Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian brass and bronze that needs restoring with appropriate care.

Period Property Owners Restoring original door furniture, fire surrounds, and architectural fittings in Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian homes to match the property's period.

Architectural Salvage Dealers Preparing reclaimed brass and bronze for sale, restoring damaged stock, and improving presentation of period fittings and hardware.

Interior Designers Sourcing and restoring period brass for clients, ensuring pieces suit the style and era of properties, and maintaining authentic period details.

Antique Collectors and Dealers Maintaining collections of Victorian and Georgian brass, preparing pieces for auction, and restoring acquisitions to displayable condition.

Anyone with Period Brass or Bronze That's tarnished, damaged, or needs bringing back. We help customers across London and the UK restore pieces appropriately.

What Does Antique Brass Restoration Cost

Pricing depends on the age, size, condition, and work involved. Small Victorian door furniture costs less to restore than large architectural fire surrounds or heavily damaged pieces.

Send clear photos showing the condition, any damage, tarnish level, and approximate size. Let us know the period if you know it. We'll give you a quote based on that.

Most antique brass and bronze work takes 2 to 3 weeks. Larger architectural pieces or collections take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.

Sending Antique Brass & Bronze to Us

Customers across the UK send us period brass and bronze safely. Here's how to pack and post properly.

Pack with Care Antique brass can be fragile, especially decorative pieces with fine details. Wrap carefully in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Use a strong box with padding. Don't let pieces touch during transit.

Insure Properly Always send tracked with insurance based on value. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier with declared value protection is best for antiques and architectural salvage.

Include Details Put your name, phone, email, and return address inside. If you know the piece's age or where it came from, include that information.

What Happens We confirm receipt immediately. You'll get photos and an assessment before we start. Updates throughout. Secure return delivery when finished.

Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD

Questions About Antique Brass & Bronze Restoration

Here are the questions period property owners, dealers, and collectors ask us most often about restoring Victorian and Georgian brass.

Should antique brass be polished to a high shine or left with some patina?

It depends on the piece and the period. High Victorian decorative brass often suits a bright polish that shows off the detailing. Earlier Georgian pieces sometimes look better with a softer finish that respects their age. We discuss what's appropriate for your specific item based on its style and era, then you decide the approach.

Will restoration reduce the value of architectural salvage?

Not usually. Heavily tarnished or corroded brass often needs restoration to be usable or displayable. Sympathetic restoration that suits the period and style typically maintains or improves value. We recommend an approach that respects the piece's age and character rather than making everything look brand new.

Can you restore Victorian brass door furniture that's been painted over?

Yes. Paint-covered door furniture can be stripped and restored. The brass underneath is usually in reasonable condition once the paint is removed. We strip carefully to avoid damaging decorative details or the brass surface, then clean, polish, and protect appropriately.

What's the difference between brass and bronze on antique pieces?

Brass is typically yellow-gold in colour and was commonly used for door furniture, light fittings, and decorative items. Bronze has a darker, reddish-brown tone and was often used for sculptures, architectural mounts, and high-quality fittings. Both can be restored, though the techniques and finishes differ slightly.

Can you match the finish of other brass pieces in a set?

We do our best. If you have a set of door handles or fire surrounds where one piece needs more restoration than others, we aim to match the finish so everything looks consistent. Perfect matching isn't always possible with antiques, especially if pieces have aged differently, but we get as close as we can.

How do you restore brass fire surrounds and fenders?

Large architectural brass like fire surrounds gets stripped of tarnish and corrosion, repaired if damaged, polished to suit the style, and protected with lacquer if appropriate. These pieces often have decorative details that need careful handling during restoration to preserve the original character and detailing.

Can you restore antique brass that has verdigris (green corrosion)?

Yes. Verdigris is common on brass that's been stored in damp conditions or exposed to weather. It can be removed through proper cleaning and treatment. Once the corrosion is gone, the brass underneath can be polished and protected. Heavily corroded pieces take more work but usually respond well to restoration.

Should period brass be lacquered after restoration?

It depends on how you'll use it. Door furniture that gets handled regularly often benefits from lacquer protection to slow tarnish. Display pieces might be left natural to develop patina. We discuss the pros and cons for your specific items and recommend what makes sense.

Can I drop antique brass off in person?

Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing period brass and architectural salvage directly often works better, especially for large fire surrounds or fragile decorative pieces. We can assess them properly and discuss restoration options face to face. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.

Do you restore brass from specific periods like Art Nouveau or Arts and Crafts?

Yes. We've worked on brass from Georgian through to early 20th century, including Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, and Arts and Crafts pieces. Each period has different styles and appropriate finishes, and we adjust our approach to suit. The restoration respects the design and era of each piece.

Get Your Free Quote

Send photos of your antique brass or bronze showing the condition, any damage, verdigris, or tarnish. Let us know the approximate size and period if you know it. Tell us where the piece came from if relevant.