Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Vladimir Pac and together with my partner Petra I run a restoration studio in Brno. Our main focus is to refurbish wooden furniture by using original techniques and materials wherever possible. What I enjoy most about our profession is the hand craftsmanship. This interest leads to the never-ending study of old books and magazines where I find a great source of knowledge and inspiration.              

I was always fascinated by old things and since being a small boy I liked to try to discover how things work. I would take apart all sorts of different machines or bikes only to take them back together again later. My grandad was an architect and in his old workshop at our family villa house I would always find some items that he found from various places like skips or from bins; vintage tools, paints, homeware, furniture.. I think that's where my love for vintage began!

How long have you been working as a restorer?

Some time after finishing my studies I was looking for a job, but I didn't want to just do anything; I was looking for a job that I would acrtually enjoy doing. So I started with restoring. At the beginning it was more a hobby but after a short time I knew this was it and I became a full time restorer. So you could say that restoring profession found me! I have officially opened my studio in 1996.

What is your working process?

Every piece that comes to our studio is photographed in its original condition. Then we decide what would be the best way to restore it. Usually we take the piece apart first, remove the non original or non authentic parts. Then we replace them with the best-suited material or if necessary we model the piece to its original shape. The next step is to unite the colour of the surface throughout the piece. And final step is the restoration of the surface itself. We don’t do upholstery our selves but we do collaborate with a good upholsterer (not easy to find these days!). After we finish our job, each item is again well photographed and given back to a customer.

What pieces do you usually restore?

It really varies. Usually its seating, furniture, tables.. but also wardrobes, clocks, puppets, sculptures…

What has been your favourite project so far?

The most interesting project I have been involved in so far was a refurbishment of a renaissance staircase at the castle in South Moravia. But I really enjoy any soft work on inlay or on gilt.

What makes you this passionate?

Beauty itself is my main driving force; the beauty in nature and in the things made by man. It is crucial for me to keep the art of craft alive. That’s where I find my motivation and my source of interest.

You can find more information about the studio on their website: www.restauratorskyatelier.cz