Dear Patty & Morty,
I want to thank and congratulate you on the incredible job you did restoring my copper Napoleon bust.
The 200 year old bust was in dire need of restoration where the copper corroded through and finding someone who I trusted to do the repair was a daunting task. After hundreds of hours researching the restoration of antique art I found Lakeside Pottery. I sent the pictures you requested of the statue and then spoke to you on the phone, I knew that my search was over.
The process was exactly as you said it would be. From shipping recommendations up to the work itself there were no surprises. You contacted me half-way through the process and updated me on the actual amount of damage and how you were approaching the repair. I was on pins and needles wondering if the repair would be noticeable because the majority of the corrosion was on the left side of the face -- then the pictures arrived and it was a WOW moment! The photographs were mind blowing. If you didn’t know where the original damage was you could not tell by looking at the photographs. In addition, you sent me 20 images of the step-by-step process to get my Napoleon showroom new.
As pleased as I was with the photos, they could not compare to what I saw after unpacking the returned bust. I could not see any seams or unevenness where you filled the removed copper. The color of the patina was a perfect match and you even touched up sections that I didn’t think you would work on.
I got the bust from my father, who got it from his father. My Dad only saw the bust in the damaged condition and he was gob smacked when he watched it being unpacked. He told me his Dad would be so happy to see the restored Napoleon and that made me feel great that he was so pleased.
Restoring art certainly is an investment that deserves a great deal of consideration. I am glad I took my time looking for the right artists to take on my project. I would not hesitate a nanosecond to recommend Lakeside Pottery for any art restoration. I already have my next project in mind for you!
My sincere thanks for your restoration skills and artistic skills.
Leo Mahoney, Lenox, Massachusetts
During a move for my daughter, I was responsible for breaking a Jessica Rabbit statue in half. It had not only sentimental value, but is almost unobtainable (it was bought over 10 years ago and was done by a minor artist just for Disney). In searching for places that could repair them we stumbled on Lakeside Pottery's website and were very impressed. We decided to go with them, and we just unveiled it two nights ago for my daughter, who had no idea we were going to get it fixed. All present were amazed! We all looked to find telltale signs of the repair, but when we compared the original break to the statue, there was just nothing to find! An amazing job. I wish we could put before and after pictures here on Yelp. Talking with Morty was a great pleasure as well. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Morty and Lakeside Pottery are miracle workers. Our prized Raku sculpture, affectionately referred to as "Olga", was accidentally destroyed by our moving company. My wife and I were heartbroken because she was our most prized piece of art work. We assumed that Olga was beyond repair. However, with extreme care, diligence and professionalism Morty was able to restore Olga, perfectly. You would never know she had been damaged. Before he commenced the repair work, Morty walked us through the procedure he intended to employ. He sent us detailed photos pin-pointing each of the areas of actual damage and areas of potential damage that we might wish to address since we had the opportunity to reach the interior of the sculpture while Morty was making the many repairs. As the work progressed, he invited us to visit the studio and explained the process to date and steps towards completion in intricate, fascinating detail. Upon completion, he packed Olga in a very safe, professional manner (too bad the movers hadn't taken these precautions). A couple of hours after Olga was picked up for delivery to the house, Morty called to make sure we were happy with the new Olga and that the placement of her in our home was a success. We couldn't ask for a more professional, personal or educational experience. Without hesitation, we highly recommend Lakeside. We hope never again to be in a position to utilize Lakeside's services, but if any of our art work were damaged, there is no question that we would run back to Morty. Gary
Carol (Legacy Gallery), my husband and I were in your gallery back in March inquiring about finding someone who might be able to repair our alabaster statue. You said you would contact one of your gallery artist's to see if that person could help us with the repairs. When that individual said he would not be able to accommodate our request, you were so kind about searching for another place that might be able to help us restore our piece of art. You referred us to Lakeside Pottery in Stamford, Ct.
Our experience with them has been so awesome that I felt compelled to let you know that this resource is beyond amazing. They responded immediately to our email request about their services. They provided an estimate for the repairs based on pictures we sent, advised us on how to safely pack and ship our statue and called us to let us know once our statue had arrived at their shop. They kept us up to date on the progress of the repairs and sent us pictures of the final repair job prior to asking for final payment. We just received our statue back today and we are in total shock as you can't tell our statue was ever damaged. I don't know how they do their repairs but these two people are true experts in their profession. I admit I was very suspect that anyone would be able to restore our statue to its original condition. However, I read all the reviews from previous customers of Lakeside Pottery. Everyone seemed quite satisfied with their
services. The before and after pictures were quite impressive. I sure hope they took pictures of our statue because the repair job was exceptional.
I take the time to send you these details as if you have any situations in the future like ours, please refer your customers to Lakeside Pottery. I wish I could meet these people in person because they have talents like no two people we have ever met. For your review, I have attached the picture I sent you of the damage to our statue and a second photo after Lakeside Pottery's restoration. TRULY AMAZING!
Thank you again for your referral. We are very fortunate you sent us to Lakeside Pottery!
Sincerely, Terry
Patty and Morty: Thank you so very much! This looks wonderful! I can't wait to show my wife how well this turned out. It is a big relief. Thank you again! -Dave
I received the urn and am delighted with your work and the results. I live in a century old house and I have filled it with articles which I have selected very carefully over two decades. This urn is one of my favorite pieces and I was very distressed at its damage by the maids. You have restored it to it's original condition; I have examined it very carefully and find no evidence of it's damage. Thank you for your service. Frank Baker
Restoring Josefina Aguilar Ceramic Sculpture. We recently had two large clay figures repaired at Lakeside Pottery. They were made by the world famous Mexican Folk Artist Josefina Aguilar. The two figures each 30” high were quite heavy and though professionally packed broke in shipment. The repairs required reconstructing complex shapes that had broken off the figures, adhering them to the body, and painting them to match the original colors. In addition a 10” long hairline stress crack up the back of one figure needed to be stabilized. To reconstruct the broken pieces, Lakeside Pottery used both primitive techniques employed by the artist, and cutting edge technology such as high strength adhesives, fiber and fillers. Using only materials that would not damage the art work, they restored the broken pieces so the repairs were stronger than the original clay construction. All the work was done with great care and expertise and when finished the repairs were invisible to the eye and touch.
It was a pleasure working with Morty and Patty. From the outset, they explained their process in detail and kept us informed of their progress completing the work on time as promised. If you are looking for a museum-quality ceramic repair shop, Lakeside Pottery can provide that service.
Alan Eliot Goldberg, Architect, and Folk Art Collector
One of my pre-columbian statues and an African Ashanti ceramic statue were shattered. I brought them to Lakeside Pottery and Morty suggested several possibilities for restoration. I took his advice and the results were amazing. The pre-columbian was restored as a museum would have done it and the Ashanti completely restored. Admirable work. Many years ago I had a specialist who worked at the Boston Fine Arts Museum restore several statues. Lakeside Pottery was just as good. I would recommend their excellent work to anyone. John D.
These guys are terrific. And rightfully happy and almost ecstatic in their work fixing something as good as it was before it broke. I shipped them several 3" tall, broken ceramic soldiers, matching the pieces with the larger parts as best I could. But they were small to begin with and the pieces were tiny.They quickly called me and asked whether I might have overlooked some pieces as most were there but a couple of tiny ones were missing. I went and did a search of the closet where they had fallen and broken and, sure enough, two or three very tiny pieces were still there. I sent them off to Lakeside and they were reported those were the missing ones and the repair was beginning. In a couple of weeks---maybe a bit longer--- carefully packed and shipped, they arrived back to me. The work they did is absolutely perfect, in paint repair, and structural repair. Truly remarkable.
Morty and Patty are extremely friendly, competent and talented. My cousin sent me a family heirloom from California to Connecticut, a plaster bust of my great grandmother sculpted by my great grandfather. She shipped it UPS ground and the base and neck shattered/crumbled during the journey. I was heartbroken when I opened the box. I searched online and found Lakeside Pottery. Their website shows many before and after photos and they did not disappoint! The plaster bust looks like new and they did it all within a couple weeks. I can't even tell it was ever damaged and they even put a reinforcement coat on it to strengthen it. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone. Morty called me throughout the process to give me plenty of options and to keep me abreast of his progress. It was great doing business with them!!!! They are miracle workers!
My wife bought 3 sculptures and unfortunately I broke two of the 3 men, each in many pieces. Lakeside pottery put them back together so they could join their brother. The repair exceeded my expectation in every way. Now it is impossible to tell which 2 were repaired. I am truly impressed and grateful.
I would highly recommend Lakeside Pottery. The owners, Morty and Patty were professional, knowledgable and wonderful to deal with. I entrusted them with restoring a Blessed Mother statute that belonged to my grandparents. There were cracks, chips, and pieces missing as well as needing paint restoration. It is a least 80 years old. The workmanship is top shelf. More importantly, after explaining the job online, Morty called to walk me through the process and was completely honest about the procedure and the cost. There were no surprises. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Lakeside Pottery restored a family heirloom and I will be eternally grateful!
I had purchased a very rare damaged Native American Head pot. Lakeside pottery was entrusted with the restoration project and I was not disappointed with the results. They did a fantastic job on a very difficult piece. Can't say enough about how well pleased I am with their work! Brian Williard
As a rule, I would ordinarily have done a great deal of research as to who would be able to restore a cast iron sculpture back to its original glory. While I made a number of calls to other companies, I was instantly impressed with Morty. After speaking with him, I felt more than confident that he had the knowledge and skills to do the repair.
I could not have been more pleased! So much so that I brought 2 more sculptures (wood) that needed repair. He and Patty do first class repairs. They take the time to explain the process and follow through for a perfect restoration.
I found Lakeside Pottery searching on Google for a ceramic restoration company. I had a Hummel Madonna that was in need of repair. I contacted Lakeside on their website and from then on it was an easy go.I was well informed with the process and every communication with them was timely and efficient. Patty & Morty were friendly & easy to work with. Most importantly, the restoration of the Madonnna is perfect. You cannot tell it was repaired. Without a doubt, I would use them again for any restoration.
I have this ancient Maya pottery figure of a solemn-looking Mayan King with his coca-leaf inside his cheek...Loved the piece-but it broke into several fragments. Morty and Patty restored it beautifully and one cannot tell it had been so badly damaged. I'm so very grateful that I now have this piece for my grandchildren to enjoy one day...and I'm enjoying it right now!
Google Review: My wife bought 3 sculptures and unfortunately I broke two of the 3 men, each in many pieces. Lakeside pottery put them back together so they could join their brother. The repair exceeded my expectation in every way. Now it is impossible to tell which 2 were repaired. I am truly impressed and grateful. Jim
Google Review: Morty and Patty are extremely friendly, competent and talented. My cousin sent me a family heirloom from California to Connecticut, a plaster bust of my great grandmother sculpted by my great grandfather. She shipped it UPS ground and the base and neck shattered/crumbled during the journey. I was heartbroken when I opened the box. I searched online and found Lakeside Pottery. Their website shows many before and after photos and they did not disappoint! The plaster bust looks like new and they did it all within a couple weeks. I can't even tell it was ever damaged and they even put a reinforcement coat on it to strengthen it. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone. Morty called me throughout the process to give me plenty of options and to keep me abreast of his progress. It was great doing business with them!!!! They are miracle workers! Timothy
Hi Morty and Patty, My African gentleman arrived safely and he looks wonderful. You did an amazing job. Thank you!! I have another piece to send to you, but I have to find it and take pictures etc. You'll be hearing from me again in a couple of months. Have a wonderful weekend. Hilary
Hi! I wanted to let you know that my Mary and Jesus statue arrived today and it turned out so nicely! I am very impressed! I will be sure to keep your info if I ever have another repair. And I will pass your info along to my friends and family, as well. Thank you for doing such a great job with my restoration! Lindsey
Thanks very much. That Lincoln statue has been beautifully restored. You do great work. Sincerely, Joe
In fall 2012, I took a life-changing trip to multiple countries throughout Africa. It was my first time in Sub-Saharan Africa and words really could not describe the emotional and intellectual enlightenment I experienced on this trip. I say this only to emphasize the importance that many of the souvenirs (primarily artwork and statues) had for me. Some items were for my personal collection and others were gifts for family, close friends and important clients.
Before departing South Africa, we packaged several stone statues and made arrangements for Fed-Ex to ship back to the US. What we learned after the fact, is that customs and Fed-Ex are required to search large packages to ensure that they do not contain contraband. All of the items were unpacked at least twice during shipping and not re-packaged in their original form. Six of the statues arrived to the US shattered in numerous pieces. Heartbreaking would be an understatement. Fed-ex immediately agreed to waive the shipping and reimburse me for the cost of all of the items, but this obviously did not alleviate the massive disappointment.
I searched for a statue restoration business in greater New York as a long shot hope that someone might be able to get the statues to a presentable form at a somewhat reasonable cost. We found Lakeside Pottery which had high reviews and impressive testimonials. I selected three statues (that had the most importance to me) to have repaired. I was doubtful that the team at Lakeside would be able to work a miracle, but they did! Three times! I am blown away that they got the statues (each broken into 15 pieces or more) into a state that really looks better than new. Effort and professionalism are oftentimes is a dying art, but not at Lakeside. These guys are pros and they really do work miracles.
Lakeside fixed an awful situation and I find it hard to imagine that there is any project they would not be able to handle. Carlos Fleming, IMG
Dear Morty, The Porphyry statue arrived today and I want to compliment you (and Patty) for restoring it to its original appearance. It looks wonderful! Thank you. Mary
I am still astounded by the quality of the repair work done by Patti and Morty. I really thought the item I sent them was a goner! I should also mention that Morty kept me informed every step of the way and was totally delightful to interact with. I am even thinking of breaking some other items so I can have the same experience again! These folks are the BEST at what they do.
