Monstrance & Tabernacle Restoration
We restore monstrances and tabernacles for Catholic churches across London and the UK.
These items hold central places in worship and need proper care. Monstrances used for Exposition and Benediction wear through handling and display. Tabernacles suffer from constant use, key wear, and environmental exposure. Gold plating wears thin, intricate details tarnish, damage happens, and pieces that have served for decades need restoration. We work with 18ct gold plating, sterling silver, brass, and all the materials these sacred items are made from. Every monstrance and tabernacle is handled by our family with the care they require. Repairs to damaged rays, loose lunas, worn hinges, and structural issues are all part of what we do. We've been restoring these items for Catholic parishes since 1962, serving churches across London and throughout Britain.
Why Catholic Churches Trust Us
Monstrances and tabernacles aren't simple metalwork. They hold the Blessed Sacrament and require understanding of what that means. We've worked with Catholic churches for over 60 years.
Family run since 1962, serving Catholic parishes across London and the UK
We understand what these items are used for and handle them accordingly
18ct gold plating for monstrances and tabernacle interiors
Sterling silver and brass restoration
Repairs to rays, lunas, hinges, doors, and structural damage
Experience with ornate designs, filigree work, and decorative details
Clear communication with priests, sacristans, and parish councils
Items returned ready for use in worship
How We Restore Monstrances and Tabernacles
Each piece is different. Some need light work, others need complete restoration. We assess what's needed and discuss it with you before starting.
Assess the Item
We examine the piece to see what restoration is required. This includes checking gold plating, identifying damage, looking at hinges and moving parts, and assessing the overall condition.
Clean Carefully
The item is cleaned using methods appropriate for its materials and construction. Intricate filigree work, stones, and decorative elements need careful handling.
Repair Damage
Bent or broken rays on monstrances are fixed, loose lunas are secured, damaged hinges or locks on tabernacles are repaired, dents and structural issues are addressed, and missing or broken decorative elements are restored where possible.
Replate with Gold
Worn gold plating is stripped and replaced with fresh 18ct gold. Tabernacle interiors receive proper gold plating. We ensure the gold layer will hold up to regular use.
Restore Other Finishes
Silver, brass, and bronze elements are restored to their proper finish. Lacquer is applied where needed to protect surfaces and slow tarnish.
Final Check
Every piece is inspected to make sure all parts work properly and it's ready to return to service.
Most restorations take 1 to 2 weeks due to the complexity and detail involved. Larger or heavily damaged pieces may take longer. We keep you updated.
Items We Work With
We restore all types of monstrances and tabernacles, from simple to highly ornate, old to modern.
Monstrances Traditional sunburst monstrances, Gothic style monstrances, contemporary modern designs, luna monstrances with glass or fixed lunas, ornate pieces with filigree and stones, portable Benediction monstrances.
Tabernacles Altar tabernacles for Blessed Sacrament reservation, wall mounted tabernacles, freestanding tabernacle stands, ornate historic tabernacles, simple modern designs, tabernacle safes and locks.
Related Items Exposition thrones and platforms, luna holders and stands, tabernacle veils and decorative elements (metal portions), keys and lock mechanisms.
Common Problems We Fix Worn gold plating showing base metal, damaged or broken monstrance rays, loose or broken lunas, tabernacle hinges that don't work properly, worn or damaged locks and keys, dents and structural damage, tarnished silver or brass elements, missing decorative pieces.
All work respects what these items are used for and maintains their suitability for holding the Blessed Sacrament.
Catholic Communities We Help
We serve Catholic parishes, religious communities, and chapels across London and throughout the UK.
Parish Churches Restoring monstrances and tabernacles used for regular worship, Adoration, and Benediction.
Cathedrals and Basilicas Caring for historic pieces and maintaining tabernacles and monstrances for large congregations.
Religious Orders Serving monasteries, convents, and religious houses with their chapel items and community worship vessels.
Chapels and Oratories Maintaining monstrances and tabernacles for college chapels, hospital chapels, and private oratories.
Priests and Sacristans Working directly with those responsible for sacred vessels and ensuring proper restoration.
Restoration Costs
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, condition, and work required. A simple monstrance needing only replating costs less than an ornate piece requiring extensive repair and restoration. Tabernacle restoration varies based on size, damage, and whether locks or hinges need work.
Send clear photos showing the overall item, any damaged areas, and close ups of decorative details or problem spots. 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. Pieces with extensive damage or very ornate details may take longer. We'll give you realistic timescales with your quote.
How to Send Items to Us
Catholic churches send monstrances and tabernacles to us from across the UK. Here's how to do it safely.
Prepare for Sending Ensure items have been properly prepared according to liturgical norms. The Blessed Sacrament must be removed and reposed elsewhere before sending a tabernacle. Wrap pieces carefully in soft material.
Pack Securely Monstrances with rays or ornate details need extra protection. Wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, paying attention to delicate elements. Use sturdy boxes with adequate padding. Tabernacles are heavy and need proper support in shipping boxes.
Include Information Send a note with your parish name, priest or sacristan contact, phone number, email, and return address. Describe any specific concerns or areas needing attention.
Use Secure Delivery Always send fully tracked and insured for the item's value. Royal Mail Special Delivery for smaller items, or a courier with proper insurance for larger or heavier pieces like tabernacles.
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 Monstrance & Tabernacle Restoration
Here are questions Catholic churches commonly ask about restoration of these sacred items.
What gold plating do you use for monstrances and tabernacles?
We use 18ct gold plating for monstrances and tabernacle interiors, as appropriate for items that hold or display the Blessed Sacrament. The gold is applied to proper thickness for regular liturgical use. Exterior decorative gold uses the same standard unless otherwise specified.
Can you restore very ornate or antique monstrances?
Yes. We work on highly ornate monstrances with intricate filigree, stones, and detailed decorative work. Antique pieces receive careful treatment that respects their age and significance while making them suitable for continued use in worship.
Can you fix broken rays on a monstrance?
Yes. Bent rays can be straightened, broken rays can be repaired or replaced, and loose rays can be secured. If rays are missing entirely, we'll discuss options for restoration based on the original design.
What if a tabernacle lock or key is damaged?
We repair or replace damaged locks and can provide new keys. If the lock mechanism is beyond repair, we can install a new lock that maintains the tabernacle's security while matching its style as closely as possible.
Do you work on tabernacle doors that don't close properly?
Yes. Worn hinges can be repaired or replaced, warped doors can be straightened, and alignment issues can be fixed so the door closes and locks properly. This is important for proper security of the Blessed Sacrament.
How do we prepare a tabernacle before sending it?
The Blessed Sacrament must be removed and reposed in another tabernacle or secure location according to proper liturgical norms. The tabernacle should be empty when sent. If you're unsure about proper procedures, consult with your priest.
Will restored items look different from their original appearance?
We aim to restore items to their original appearance and finish. Any significant changes would be discussed with you before proceeding. Our goal is to return pieces looking as they should while being structurally sound and suitable for continued use.
Can we visit to discuss restoration in person?
Yes. For parishes with specific concerns or very valuable pieces, meeting face to face can be helpful. We're in Harrow, London. Call 07391 007 123 to arrange a time. Some priests prefer to bring items directly rather than posting them.
What if a piece is beyond restoration?
If a monstrance or tabernacle is too damaged to restore appropriately, we'll tell you honestly. Items no longer suitable for holding the Blessed Sacrament should be disposed of according to proper church norms. We can advise on this if needed.
Request Your Quote
Send clear photos of your monstrance or tabernacle showing the overall item, any damaged areas, and close ups of details or problem spots. Include your parish 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 monstrances and tabernacles for Catholic parishes across London and the UK since 1962. Every piece is handled with the care its purpose requires. If your church has a monstrance or tabernacle needing restoration, we're here to help. Send items by post with full insurance or bring them directly to us in Harrow.
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, condition, and work required. A simple monstrance needing only replating costs less than an ornate piece requiring extensive repair and restoration. Tabernacle restoration varies based on size, damage, and whether locks or hinges need work.