When fire strikes, the damage extends beyond the structural and physical—it touches the sentimental and artistic heart of a home. Paintings, wall art, and treasured books are often among the most vulnerable items, their delicate surfaces easily marred by soot, smoke, and heat. At The Abbey Group, we understand that these items are irreplaceable, carrying emotional and often historical value. That’s why our dedicated team specialises in restoring artworks and decorative pieces affected by fire and smoke damage.
The Delicate Art of Restoration
Artwork restoration requires precision, patience, and an expert understanding of materials. Fire and smoke damage can affect artwork in multiple ways—darkening pigments, loosening varnishes, or even distorting the surface. Our experienced conservators use advanced techniques and specialist materials to restore each piece safely, without compromising its integrity or originality.
Our restoration process includes:
-
Soot and smoke removal: Using gentle, museum-grade cleaning methods, we remove layers of soot and residue without causing abrasion or loss of pigment.
-
Structural repairs: When paintings suffer blistering, warping, or cracked canvases, our team stabilises and repairs the structure to restore both strength and appearance.
-
Odour elimination: Lingering smoke odours can be difficult to remove. We use specialised deodorising treatments to neutralise odours completely while protecting the artwork’s surface.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is critical after fire or smoke exposure. The longer soot and moisture remain on a surface, the deeper the contamination penetrates, making restoration more complex. If your artwork has been affected, here are a few immediate steps you can take:
-
Remove the artwork from the damaged area as soon as it is safe to do so.
-
Keep it in a clean, dry, and stable environment. Avoid touching or attempting to clean the surface.
-
Contact a professional restoration specialist, such as The Abbey Group, to assess the damage.
Our team recently received a collection of paintings, wall art, and even leather-bound books affected by smoke and soot damage. We provided a full written assessment and submitted a report to the insurance company within 24 hours—helping the policyholder move swiftly through their claim and recovery process.
Restoring More Than Just Art
At The Abbey Group, we believe that restoring artwork is about more than reversing damage—it’s about giving cherished pieces a new lease of life. Whether it’s a family portrait, a beloved landscape, or a decorative print, we handle every item with the utmost care and respect.
If you’ve experienced fire or smoke damage, don’t lose hope. Contact The Abbey Group today on 01708 741135 or email info@abbey-group.net to find out how we can help recover the beauty and emotional significance of your treasured artworks.