Freelance › Projects › Advertising and marketing › Restoration of an Antique Floor-Standing World Globe
Restoration of an Antique Floor-Standing World Globe

Employer
Roman
Project parameters
Type of cooperationOne-time project
SectionAdvertising and marketing
Prepaymentwithout prepayment
Payment methodsCash, Bank transfer
Acceptance of requestsfrom today, 06:14 until Sep 22, 2026
Project description
I own a large antique floor-standing world globe that has been in the family for decades, and it badly needs professional restoration. The globe sits on a turned wooden stand with a meridian ring and a horizon band, and it rotates on a metal axle running through the sphere. Over the years the paper gores covering the sphere have lifted, torn along several seams, and stained in a few places near the base; the protective varnish layer has yellowed unevenly and is cracking and flaking off in patches, especially near the poles. The wooden stand has loose joints, a wobbly leg, and the original finish has worn through in places where hands have rested on it for generations. The rotation mechanism itself has become stiff and grinds when turned, and I suspect the axle bearing needs cleaning, lubrication, or possibly a period-appropriate replacement part.
I am looking for someone with genuine hands-on experience restoring antique globes, atlases, or similarly delicate paper-on-sphere objects, not just general furniture refinishing. The paper gores need careful cleaning, humidification and flattening where lifted, infill or toning of missing sections so the map reads correctly again, and a fresh coat of appropriate varnish that matches the original sheen without over-glossing the surface. The wooden stand needs joint regluing, leg stabilization, and a sympathetic finish touch-up that preserves the aged patina rather than making it look brand new. The rotation mechanism needs to be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled so the sphere turns smoothly again without excessive play or noise.
Before any work begins I want a written condition report with close-up photographs of every area of damage, a clear treatment proposal explaining exactly what materials and techniques will be used on the paper surface and the varnish, and confirmation that any interventions are reversible wherever conservation practice allows it. I would also like a short explanation of how the globe should be displayed and cared for afterward (light exposure, humidity, dusting) so this restoration lasts for future generations. Please share examples of similar globe or map restoration projects you have completed, with before-and-after photos if possible, along with your estimated timeline and a breakdown of costs for the paper conservation work versus the woodworking and mechanical repair. The globe will need to be collected and later returned, or I can arrange for a workshop visit if you work locally — please state your working method and any packing or transport requirements in your proposal.
I am looking for someone with genuine hands-on experience restoring antique globes, atlases, or similarly delicate paper-on-sphere objects, not just general furniture refinishing. The paper gores need careful cleaning, humidification and flattening where lifted, infill or toning of missing sections so the map reads correctly again, and a fresh coat of appropriate varnish that matches the original sheen without over-glossing the surface. The wooden stand needs joint regluing, leg stabilization, and a sympathetic finish touch-up that preserves the aged patina rather than making it look brand new. The rotation mechanism needs to be disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled so the sphere turns smoothly again without excessive play or noise.
Before any work begins I want a written condition report with close-up photographs of every area of damage, a clear treatment proposal explaining exactly what materials and techniques will be used on the paper surface and the varnish, and confirmation that any interventions are reversible wherever conservation practice allows it. I would also like a short explanation of how the globe should be displayed and cared for afterward (light exposure, humidity, dusting) so this restoration lasts for future generations. Please share examples of similar globe or map restoration projects you have completed, with before-and-after photos if possible, along with your estimated timeline and a breakdown of costs for the paper conservation work versus the woodworking and mechanical repair. The globe will need to be collected and later returned, or I can arrange for a workshop visit if you work locally — please state your working method and any packing or transport requirements in your proposal.