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OUR VALUES
 

At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the intrinsic, material, and emotional value of each object. Whether your connection is personal, historical, aesthetic, or financial, we approach every piece with care, curiosity, and ethical responsibility.

As an Accredited Member of Icon – The Institute of Conservation, Tiago Oliveira’s Studio follows internationally recognised professional and ethical standards. Every decision we make balances respect for the original object with the client’s values and intentions.

 

We begin by understanding the object—examining its materials, history, and craftsmanship. From the way glaze has pooled during firing to the rhythm of brushstrokes or the texture of a break edge, every detail guides our approach.

 

In conservation, the goal is to preserve and stabilise—maintaining the object’s integrity while ensuring its safe handling, longevity, and appreciation. Restoration goes a step further, carefully reconstructing losses and reintegrating colour and gold finishes to restore visual cohesion. Both approaches are guided by evidence, not artistic guesswork, and always adhere to ethical best practices.

 

All treatments are carried out using conservation-grade materials that are:

  • Chemically and mechanically compatible with the object

  • Reversible, allowing for future interventions

  • Proven to age safely over time

 

We strive for perfection and long-lasting impactThe studio produces everything from invisible repairs to museum-standard treatments, ranging from teacups and sculptures to rooms clad in historic tiles.

We believe in collaboration—between conservator and client, between colleagues, between traditional knowledge and scientific insight.

 

Our work is a balance of precision and empathy, always aiming for the best outcome: one that honours the past while ensuring the object’s future.

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PEOPLE
 

TIAGO OLIVEIRA

Tiago is an Icon Accredited (ACR) conservator-restorer with over 20 years of experience in the conservation and restoration of ceramic, glass, and enamel objects for both private clients and public organisations. His wealth of experience gives him a strong understanding of both the object’s needs and the client’s or stakeholder’s expectations.

He holds an MA in Conservation Studies from the internationally renowned West Dean College (West Sussex, UK), and a four-year BA in Art Conservation & Restoration from the Portuguese Catholic University (Porto, Portugal).

He is a Visiting Lecturer at West Dean College and ​often leads conservation short-courses in the UK and abroad about the conservation and restoration of ceramics and glass. For more information please check Icon's Ceramics and Glass Group pages.

 

The studio accepts short-term work-placements from students enrolled in a higher-education Conservation degree. The months of June to August are not available for this. Please write to tiago@toconservation.co.uk if you want to be considered.

Nigel Williams Award Prize 2023

AWARDS & PRESS
 

AWARDS

2012, BADA Geoffrey Moss Prize

Awarded to the West Dean College student enrolled in the Ceramics Conservation programme, who most contributed to the course

2012, BADA Geoffrey Moss Prize

2014, Nigel Williams Prize - Highly commended for the Student Award

Temporary Transfer Papers as Retouching Media for Ceramics Conservation

2014, Nigel Williams Prize - Highly commended for the Student Award

2023, Nigel Williams Prize – Main Award

The Conservation and Restoration of an Early 17th-Century Tin-Glazed Tiled Stove

2023,  Nigel Williams Prize – Main Award

PRESS

CCRD-NORTE / Direção Geral do Património

O Norte Somos Nós - Igreja Santa Clara

Brief film about Santa Clara's church in Porto (Portugal) after the extensive conservation and restoration intervention

Dec, 2020

National Trust Magazine

Lacock Abbey's Ceramics

Spread about the conservation of a group of porcelain vases from Lacock Abbey, National Trust.

Apr, 2023

ORF.AT

Hellbrunn: Einzigartiger Ofen wird restauriert

Interview about the conservation of the tiled Stove at Schloss Hellbrunn.

Feb, 2022

Salzburger Nachrichten

Der Kachelofen ist älter als das Schloss Hellbrunn

Interview about the conservation intervention at Hellbrunn Palace and on its tiled stove.

Mar, 2022

The Courtauld

Conservation of an Italian Ceramic Jug at The Courtauld Gallery

Article and video about the approach to the conservation and restoration process of two maiolica pieces from The Courtauld collection.

Nov, 2023

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CLIENTS
 

In addition to a wealth of private clients we regularly work with whose identity we always keep confidential, we have also keep an active professional relationship with the following clients.

 

Art & Antique Dealers, members of BADA

Bonham’s

Christie’s

The Courtauld Institute and Gallery

The National Maritime Museum

The Wallace Collection

The National Trust

 

The Peabody Institute (MA, US)

The Salzburg Museum

Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg

Direção Geral do Património (Portugal)

© Tiago Oliveira - All rights reserved.

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