Breaking an object of sentimental value can be very upsetting, and being unsure of how to tackle mending it, frustrating.

New methods and materials come on the market all the time. This course specialises in teaching the more advanced methods of modelling missing areas, impressions, making a mould from an identical cup handle, and casting a replica. We will also cover airbrushing techniques, gilding and lustre finishes.

Those with some knowledge will find this course useful as it will be treated as a workshop surgery.

Bring your broken china and difficult problems can be solved!

The tutor will bring some specialist materials that are hard to source which students may purchase during the week.

Course outline

Cleaning and removing old discoloured repairs

Filling chips

Bonding a broken plate

Modelling a missing area using an armature

Making an impression with casting wax

Taking a mould and casting

Preparation and priming

Undercoats and the use of an airbrush

Hand painting and glazing

Special finishes

Useful Materials to Bring

Acetone (pharmacy)

Old toothbrush

Cotton buds

Biotex prewash

Magnifying glass

Slow setting araldite (blue and white tubes), not ‘rapide'

Bendy kitchen knife

White tile

Magic tape (W H Smith)

Scalpel with carved blades (handle 3 blade 10)

Cocktail sticks

Tutor: Jo Wheatley

Jo Wheatley has been restoring for London dealers and collectors for over 30 years. Experience includes a commission to work in Switzerland to do work for the Berne museum, and restoring for Liberty's antique exhibition. She moved to Wiltshire in 1987 and took a teachers course at Trowbridge College where she has taught regularly, including courses at Marlborough, Frome, Warminster and Corsham branch colleges.