Structural Repair
Careful repair and stabilisation of frames and fittings:
- Repair of frames, arms and branches
- Straightening and stabilising bent components
- Chain, canopy and suspension work
- Repair of lanterns, wall lights and candelabra
Since 1954
Chandelier Restoration & Repair in London
We restore antique chandeliers and period lighting with careful attention to original construction, materials and historic character. Restoration work may include structural repair, replacement of missing elements, metalwork conservation and sympathetic rewiring where appropriate—always guided by respect for the item, its materials and its history.
Serving Hertfordshire, London, the Home Counties and beyond
Our Approach
A Careful, Considered Approach
Restoration requires patience and experience. Every chandelier is different, and each is assessed individually before any work begins. As a family business with over 70 years of experience, we understand that these items are often irreplaceable—and our work is guided by that understanding.
Respect for original craftsmanship and historic materials
Sympathetic restoration rather than over-refinishing
Careful documentation and cataloguing of dismantled components
Workshop facilities for detailed and involved restoration work
Honest advice where restoration may not be appropriate or worthwhile
Full insurance and discreet service for private residences
Restoration Services
The scope of restoration varies with each item. Work may take place in situ for more straightforward repairs, or at our workshop when more involved restoration is required.
Crystal & Glass
Replacement and sourcing of missing or damaged elements:
- Replacement of missing crystals or glass drops
- Sourcing period-appropriate components
- Re-stringing and re-dressing where necessary
- Careful cleaning of original glasswork
Metalwork & Finishing
Conservation and sympathetic treatment of original surfaces:
- Careful cleaning and conservation of metalwork
- Gilding and lacquer work where appropriate
- Patina preservation
- Rewiring and electrification where required
Recent Work
Examples of Our Restoration & Repair Work
These projects illustrate our work on damaged chandeliers, historic brass fittings and antique lighting requiring careful workshop restoration.
RestorationWelwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Chandelier Repair & Rehanging in Welwyn Garden City
After a ceiling hook failed, we repaired two bent chandelier arms, replaced broken hanging glass and tested the fitting before returning to rehang it with a new steel fixing.
View Project
Church & Historic BuildingsSt Mary's Church, Wollaston
Restoration and Re-Electrification of a 19th-century Brass Church Chandelier
Careful removal, workshop conservation and sympathetic re-electrification of a historic brass church chandelier, followed by reinstallation and electrical testing.
View Project
RestorationWorkshop, Hoddesdon
Restoration of a Georgian Lantern
Workshop restoration of a Georgian hanging lantern, including re-electrification and the making of a replacement door finial.
View Project
RestorationG&P Cohn Workshop, Hoddesdon
Restoration of a Turkish Chandelier
Workshop restoration and re-electrification of a decorative Turkish chandelier, returned to safe and full working order.
View ProjectOur Work at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace’s own account describes G & P Cohn’s involvement in dismantling and carefully packing its café chandelier for off-site repairs and rewiring. Palace volunteers undertook the cleaning of the smaller crystals.
Read Fulham Palace’s account of the projectExperience
Types of Chandeliers We Restore
We have experience restoring a wide variety of antique and period lighting, including:
Crystal and cut-glass chandeliers
Maria Theresa chandeliers
Brass, bronze and ormolu chandeliers
Georgian, Regency and Victorian items
Venetian and glass chandeliers
Lanterns and wall lights
Candelabra and multi-arm fittings
Chandeliers in historic buildings and churches
If you're unsure about your item, you're welcome to send us photographs—we're always happy to have a look and offer guidance.
Our Method
Every chandelier is different, but our approach remains consistent: careful, methodical work with respect for original materials and construction.
1
Initial Discussion
We take time to understand your chandelier, its history and any concerns you may have about its condition.
2
Assessment
We examine the item carefully, noting its construction, age and condition, and identify what work is needed.
3
Careful Dismantling
Where required, the chandelier is methodically taken apart, with each element documented and catalogued.
4
Restoration & Conservation
Our craftsmen carry out repair and restoration using traditional techniques and period-appropriate materials, preserving what makes each item unique.
5
Reassembly & Testing
The chandelier is carefully reassembled, balanced, and tested before we consider the work complete.
6
Advice on Ongoing Care
We're happy to offer guidance on maintenance and care to help preserve the item for years to come.
Location
Where We Work
We regularly undertake restoration work across London and the Home Counties, and are happy to discuss projects further afield for significant or specialist items.
Hertfordshire
Including Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Ware, Hertford, St Albans, Watford, Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas.
London
Private residences, historic buildings, churches and institutions throughout Greater London.
Essex & Home Counties
Epping, Harlow, Chelmsford, Brentwood and neighbouring areas in Essex, Kent, Surrey and Buckinghamshire.
Further Afield
We are happy to discuss work elsewhere in the UK for significant or specialist items.
For interiors involving antique chandeliers or period lighting, we can advise design professionals on careful restoration, repair and related work. View our interior designers and architects page.
“Many thanks to G & P Cohn for doing such a great job in restoring our family heirloom. It was a great pleasure to work with a family business who were so considerate and helpful. The result is spectacular and is being much admired in situ.”
Chandelier Restoration: Common Questions
What types of chandelier damage can be repaired?
We repair bent or broken frames, arms and branches, failed chains, canopies and suspension fixings, and missing or damaged crystals and glass. We also conserve metalwork and rewire fittings where required.
Our Welwyn Garden City repair shows this in practice: after a ceiling hook failed, we straightened two bent arms, replaced broken glass and rehung the chandelier on a new steel fixing.
Can restoration be carried out on-site, or is workshop work required?
More straightforward repairs can often be carried out in situ. More involved restoration is undertaken at our workshop, where the chandelier can be dismantled, documented and worked on in detail before being returned and reinstalled.
At St Mary’s Church, Wollaston, the brass chandelier was carefully removed, conserved in our workshop and then reinstalled and tested.
What determines the cost of restoration?
Every chandelier is assessed individually. Cost depends on the item’s size, construction and condition, the extent of the work needed, whether parts must be repaired or replaced, and whether the work can be done in situ or requires removal to our workshop.
How can I obtain an initial assessment or estimate?
The simplest first step is to send us photographs of the chandelier, including any damaged areas, using our enquiry form, or call us on 0207 278 3749. We will offer guidance and discuss the next steps, including whether a closer examination is needed.
Not sure what your chandelier needs?
Send us a few photographs together with its approximate size, location and what you would like us to look at. We can often give an initial view from photographs, with no obligation.
Send Photos & EnquireWe also provide professional chandelier cleaning and sympathetic chandelier rewiring and electrification.
Get in Touch
Whether you require specialist chandelier cleaning, restoration or electrification, or are looking to acquire a piece of antique lighting, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.
Established in 1954, G & P Cohn provides specialist services to private clients, historic houses and institutions throughout the UK.