EXPERT ADVICE

Head of ceramics conservation at Plowden & Smith

If I were restoring this item, I would start by removing any previous restoration residue and thoroughly clean the break edges using solvents and a steam cleaner. I would then reassemble!and bond!the broken shards with!resin tinted with pigments to match.!Losses would be "lled, and the area of damage retouched, glazed! and! polished. Although the hole near the base could be restored using the same method, "lling the vase with water would gradually break down the materials .! However, a! lighting specialist would easily be able to turn your restored vase back into a lamp. Restoration work would cost between £ 300–£ 500.