Architectural Model Repair Services Refurbishment & Restoration

This 1-250 Scale architectural model of Texas Instruments 1961 factory in Bedford was rescued from the skip by Verve Developments. The new owners of the Bedford Heights Business Centre wanted to preserve the developments history.

This architectural model constructed around 55 years ago for planning purposes. It had been neglected and was in desperate need of cleaning, repairs and restoration works.

Fortunately, our model repair services include; museum cleaning, repair, conservation and restoration techniques that are far superior than even those of the model makers that produced the original architectural model.

Architectural models become more fragile with age. Construction materials become brittle & adhesives dry out, keeping vibration and shock impact to a minimum is paramount. Therefore, it was agreed that the these works would be carried out on site.

Model Refurbishment & Restoration Process

So following an initial inspection, the model was carefully brushed whilst using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a fine filter over its hose pipe. In this way dust was safety removed whilst gathering any loose model parts or landscaping. These items could be recovered from the filter, so they could be reattached later in the restoration process.

Surprisingly after being so neglected the architectural model only had superficial damage, broken fences and loose parts. These items were easily reattached using adhesives that were available at the time of construction.

Following dust removal, various areas of the architectural model were tested for suitability of wet cleaning. This includes washing with a mild detergent and gentle abrasive cleaner, enabling us to remove dirt & blemishes. Each of these stages can be seen by clicking on the images above. 

After 55 years trees and landscaping had perished. The decision was made to restore rather than conserve. Consequently all the trees were stripped and foliage replaced using flock matting to match the original trees construction and tonal colours.
Unusually the architectural model had no scale markings, figures or cars. So it was necessary to calculate the scale taking measurements from the existing building.

This architectural models refurbishment took only 3 days including repairs, making of the trees, renewed landscaped areas and the addition of cars.  With a purpose made stand this model was ready to be displayed in the buildings new reception. Fortunately for this architectural model we will be returning on a regular basis to keep it in good order.