An 18th century French Parian statuette of a young man and woman was bought in for a Consultation Day appointment. The figures were in good condition however, two missing pieces required replacing, the original stick held in the man’s hand holding the bindle and, a section of his finger.

The client requested these parts to be constructed and approved the conservation treatment. Fortunately, the client had bought to the consultation, a stick found in their garden with a texture and thickness possibly resembling the original missing piece, hoping this may assist the replication process.

Parian ware is a type of biscuit porcelain imitating marble which is not glazed therefore the filling material must replace the colour, texture and opacity in one application. Before treatment began, various trials were carried out mixing conservation epoxy with pigment and fillers.

A mould was shaped around the stick and filled to form the cast. The hardened cast was refined and detailed. The missing finger was constructed and the new parts fixed to the statuette.

Learn more about our Consultation Day for conservation advice or treatment.

Statuette with stick found by the client for new cast before conservation treatment.

The stick removed from shaped mould.

Sophie Parker, Objects Conservator preparing and filling the cast for the replacement stick.

Sophie detailing the new cast before application to the statuette.

Fixing the new stick to the statuette.

French Parian statuette after treatment with new replacement parts.