Chalice & Ciborium Restoration
We've been restoring sacred vessels for churches across London and the UK since 1962.
These vessels serve at the heart of worship, and we understand what they mean to your church. When gold plating wears through, when dents appear, or when years of use have taken their toll, we restore them so they can continue in service. We work with 18ct gold plating and sterling silver, using methods that preserve each piece properly. Every chalice and ciborium is handled by our family with the care these sacred items deserve. We've been restoring church vessels since 1962, serving parishes and cathedrals across London and the UK.
Why Churches Trust Us
Restoring church vessels requires more than skill. It requires understanding what they're used for and handling them with proper care. We've worked with churches for over 60 years, and every vessel gets the attention its purpose requires.
Family run since 1962, serving churches across London and the UK
We understand what these vessels are used for and handle them accordingly
18ct gold replating for chalice cups and ciborium interiors
Sterling silver restoration and replating where needed
Repairs to dents and damaged bases
Clear communication with clergy and sacristans throughout the work
Vessels returned ready for use
How We Restore Chalices and Ciborium
Each vessel is different. Some need light work, others need complete replating. We assess what's needed and discuss it with you before starting.
Check the Vessel
We examine the piece to see what restoration is required. This includes checking the gold plating, identifying any damage, and looking at the condition of the base metal.
Clean Carefully
The vessel is cleaned using appropriate methods. We never use harsh processes that could damage metalwork or decorative details.
Repair What's Needed
Dents are removed carefully, loose joints are resoldered, damaged stems or bases are repaired, and worn or missing parts are restored where possible.
Replate with Gold
The cup interior receives 18ct gold plating as required for vessels holding the Precious Blood. We make sure the gold layer will hold up to regular use.
Finish the Exterior
Exterior surfaces are restored with the right finishes, whether gold, silver, or lacquered brass, keeping the vessel's original look.
Final Check
Every vessel is checked to make sure it's ready to go back into service. We handle each one with the care it needs.
Most work takes 1 to 2 weeks. More involved restorations may take longer. We keep you updated throughout.
Sacred Vessels We Work With
We restore chalices and ciboria of all ages and styles. Whether your vessels are old or modern, sterling silver or gilt brass, we handle them properly.
Chalices
Traditional Gothic styles, modern contemporary designs, sterling silver chalices, gilt brass chalices, antique chalices needing careful work.
Ciboria
Cup ciboria with covers, luna ciboria for Exposition, older ciboria needing replating, damaged ciboria requiring repair before replating.
Related Communion Vessels
Patens (scales and plates), communion cups, pyxes for the sick, flagon restoration where needed.
Common Issues We Fix
Worn gold plating in cup interiors, tarnished or damaged exteriors, dents in cups or bases, loose nodes or joints, vessels needing full restoration.
All work respects what these vessels are used for and keeps them suitable for worship.
Churches and Communities We Help
We serve Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian communities across London and throughout the UK. Parish churches, cathedrals, religious orders, and private chapels all trust us with their sacred vessels.
Parish Churches Restoring communion vessels for regular liturgical use, maintaining vessels that serve the faithful week by week.
Cathedrals and Large Churches Caring for historic vessels and maintaining multiple sets of communion ware used for larger congregations.
Religious Communities Serving monasteries, convents, and religious houses with their chapel vessels and community communion ware.
Private Chapels Maintaining vessels for private oratories, college chapels, hospital chapels, and other dedicated sacred spaces.
Clergy and Sacristans Working directly with those responsible for the care of sacred vessels, ensuring proper restoration and return to service.
Restoration Costs
Pricing depends on the vessel's size, condition, and the work required. A chalice needing only cup replating costs less than one requiring complete restoration with repairs.
Send clear photos showing the overall vessel and any areas of concern. Tell us what issues you've noticed. We'll assess the work needed and provide a clear quote.
Most restorations take 1 to 2 weeks. Vessels requiring extensive repair may take longer. We'll give you realistic timescales when we provide your quote.
How to Send Sacred Vessels to Us
Many churches send vessels to us from across the UK. Here's how to do it safely and appropriately.
Prepare for Sending Vessels should be purified according to your church's normal practice before sending. Wrap each vessel individually in soft cloth or bubble wrap. Use sturdy boxes with adequate padding.
Include Information Send a note with your church name, contact person, phone number, email, and return address. Describe any specific concerns or areas needing attention.
Use Secure Delivery Always send tracked and fully insured. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier with appropriate insurance protects valuable church property.
What Happens We'll confirm receipt immediately. You'll receive updates during restoration. We'll contact you when work is complete and arrange secure return delivery.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Questions About Chalice & Ciborium Restoration
Here are questions churches commonly ask about sacred vessel restoration.
Does restoration affect a chalice's blessing or consecration?
Minor repairs and replating don't affect a chalice's consecration. However, if a chalice is broken badly enough that it can't be used properly, or if major structural work is needed, you should check with your bishop or church authority about reconsecration. We can tell you how much work is involved.
What gold plating do you use for chalice cups?
We use 18ct gold plating for chalice cup interiors, as required for vessels that contain the Precious Blood. The gold layer is applied to appropriate thickness for regular liturgical use. Exterior gold work uses the same standard unless otherwise specified.
Can you restore very old or antique chalices?
Yes. We work on chalices and ciboria of all ages, including historic vessels requiring careful conservation. Antique pieces receive appropriate treatment that respects their age and significance while making them suitable for continued use.
How do we prepare vessels before sending them?
Vessels should be purified according to your church's normal practice before sending. This usually means they've been cleaned after use and any consecrated elements have been consumed or properly disposed of through the sacrarium. If you're unsure, check with your clergy.
Will restored vessels look different from their original appearance?
We aim to restore vessels to their original appearance unless you request otherwise. If a vessel has decorative elements or a specific finish, we maintain that. Any significant changes would be discussed with you before proceeding.
Do you work with both Catholic and Anglican vessels?
Yes. We serve churches across Christian traditions. The restoration process is similar, though we're mindful of any specific requirements or traditions particular to different church communities.
Can we visit to discuss restoration in person?
Yes. For churches with multiple vessels or specific concerns, meeting in person can be helpful. We're in Harrow, London. Call 07391 007 123 to arrange a time. Some clergy prefer to bring vessels directly rather than posting them.
What if a vessel is beyond restoration?
If a chalice or ciborium is too damaged to restore appropriately, we'll tell you honestly. Vessels no longer suitable for sacred use should be disposed of according to proper church norms, not sold or repurposed. We can advise on this if needed.
How often do chalices and ciboria need restoration?
It depends on use and care. Vessels used daily may need replating every 3 to 5 years as the gold naturally wears. Those used less frequently may last decades. Regular gentle cleaning helps extend the time between restorations.
Request Your Quote
Send clear photos of your chalice or ciborium showing the overall vessel and any areas needing attention. Include your church name and contact details. We'll assess the restoration needed and provide a quote.
Sacred Vessel Restoration Across London and the UK
We've been restoring chalices and ciboria for churches across London and the UK since 1962. Every vessel is handled with the care its purpose requires. If your church has communion vessels needing restoration, we're here to help. Send vessels by post with full insurance or bring them directly to us in Harrow.
Pricing depends on the vessel's size, condition, and the work required. A chalice needing only cup replating costs less than one requiring complete restoration with repairs.