Building Better Tools for Conservation: June 2026 Update

A sincere thank you

I would like to start by thanking each one of you for your support and encouragement following the launch of Conservation Equipment Services.  The positive feedback I have received from my May newsletter has meant a lot and gives me even more motivation for what lies ahead. 

Since launching C.E.S one of the most valuable things has been hearing directly from Conservators, Restoration Studios, Museums and Independent Specialists about the challenges they face every day.

Art Restoration rarely fits into standard manufacturing categories.  The work is delicate, varied, and often completely unique which is why I started up this company.  Having Willard Conservation going into insolvency had a dramatic effect not just of myself, my fellow workmates but on all aspects of The Art Restoration family.  Many of you I have have interacted with in the past, so having the workforce that had already manufactured, serviced and repaired these Willard items of equipment will give you continuity in knowing we can deal with anything for you.  I have been overwhelmed already with the amount of you that have contacted me, thank you.

I will be continuing to manufacture bespoke restoration equipment tailored to specific requirements whether this is adapting existing tools, creating custom support systems, or developing entirely new systems my goal is to help all restorers work more precisely, safely and efficiently, and from experience you know the work will be carried out to a very high standard.

What I am focusing on

• Custom built restoration equipment

• Studio equipment improvements

• Equipment modifications for specialist conservation work

• Collaborative design based on practical restoration needs

• Better control during delicate procedures

• Improved ergonomics for long restoration

• Reduced handling risk for sensitive works

Every project starts with understanding the actual restoration challenge first – then designing around it.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, I will be sharing:

• New Equipment concepts

• Behind-the-scenes development work

• Insights from restoration professionals

  
  

If you are currently facing a technical challenge in your restoration practice, I would love to hear about it.

Thank you once again for all your continued support, I am excited to keep building tools that genuinely serve the conservation community.

Kind Regards

Tony

Owner and Director

Conservation Equipment Services

The Tools Behind the Conservators: A New Beginning

A warm welcome from our workshop

Thank you for joining me for the very first issue of my newsletter. I have launched my business with a simple mission: to give art restorers the tools they deserve – equipment designed with precision, durability, and respect for the craft.

Whether you work in a museum, a private studio, or on-site conservation, I know your tools are not just tools. They are extensions of your hands, your judgement, and your responsibility to history.

Why I started this business

I have worked for many years servicing, manufacturing, and designing bespoke equipment through Willard Conservation and when they went into voluntary insolvency there was a huge void left. I heard from so many restorers whom I have dealt with over so many years asking where to go to get the same service they had been used to. I heard from some restorers struggling with their equipment, asking for help with equipment that was no longer working and outdated due to components being no longer available. Others just wanting new equipment made, some had even been sent part made equipment from the receivers which they had no way of putting to use.

My approach is built on three principles:

Accuracy - tools that support delicate, high-stakes work

Safety - equipment that protects both the artwork and the conservator

Longevity - products that last, even under daily studio use

Behind the Scenes

Every piece of equipment I make will be assembled in my workshop. I will test each item individually, because in restoration, even a tiny flaw can become a big problem.

What will be coming next

Over the coming months I will be releasing:

New precision tools for delicate surface work

Specialist lighting designed for conservation environments

I would like to thank you all for being part of my new beginning. This is a very exciting time for me. If you have any suggestions, questions, or tools you wish existed, please let me know. Your insight will shape the business I want to achieve.

Warm Regards

Tony Ferrett

Director & Owner