About Amy:
Amy Leach is a second generation antique collector. She has a BFA in fine art with a concentration in sculpture from Rowan University. Amy has been restoring pieces from her families collections with her father since she was a teenager. When Amy isn’t collecting or fixing antiques she works on her art and plays and teaches music.
About Restorations:
I do not accept walk-ins without an appointment. You have to call or e-mail to set up a restoration with me. I do give estimates, but of course I have to see the object or a picture of the damage to come up with a price. Estimates are free, so feel free to contact me to see if a restoration is in your future.
There are three ways to get Amy your restorations:
1. Bring it to me. My studio is located in my home about fifteen minutes from the historic Mullica Hill, NJ antiquing district.
2. Ship it to me. I accept objects shipped to me. You pay shipping in both directions. I will also repack your item in whatever package and packing materials you send it in. So please pack it well!
3. Personal Pick Up. If you live in the tri-state area and within a reasonable distance from my location I will pick up your item. I do request time and gas compensation.
I accept cash, check, and PayPal.
Is There Anything You Don’t Restore?
Yes. There are several things I do not attempt restorations on for various reasons. Here is a list of things I cannot restore for you.
1. Glassware. I do not have the tools to repair glassware properly.
2. Fine Art/ Paintings. If you have a valuable fine art painting or print I strongly suggest that you take it to a conservator. They use technology that I do not have to match colors and techniques for matching painting styles that I do not have.
3. Paper. I do not have the tools to repair paper.
4. Furniture. I do not have the facility to work on furniture, and I have only worked on small wood working projects.
With all of the items that I do not restore, there are other restorationists out there that do.
How Long Do Restorations Usually Take?
There are a lot of factors that determine how long a restoration will take. I have had restorations that have taken me a few hours, and I have had others that have taken me weeks. My goal is always to do the best restoration I can muster, and I am willing to sacrifice time in order to do that. However, I understand that some projects have deadlines, and if you need a project back by a certain date, I am very willing to work with you. Here are some factors that will help you understand the time involved in your restorations.
1. Color. Some colors are harder to match that others. In general, whites and off whites are some of the hardest to match because of their subtlety. Also, the more colors I have to match for your project, the longer it will take.
2. Damage. How many pieces is your project in? It takes time to glue things back together. Do I need to recreate any parts to your piece? If I have to recreate a damaged section of your piece, it will add time to the restoration.
3. Material. Plasters and pottery tend to fix a little bit quicker than porcelain and stoneware.