Together Again: New Life for Old Porcelain

She might be one of a dying breed of craftspersons, but Betty Geller gets all the breaks.

As a restorer of antique porcelain, the Trabuco Canyon resident wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hosting a workshop Tuesday at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, Geller gave two main tips about the painstaking art of piecing delicate porcelain back together: Be prepared for anything and stay away from super glue.

“You have to treat the piece like a sick child,” she said, “you have to love it and care for it. Like my daughter says, I’m in the business of making history last longer.”

The porcelain-restoration workshop is one of a series at the Mission Viejo center focusing on antiques.

In recent months, community services supervisor Nancy Herrmann has brought in experts to lend their insights on antique glass, jewelry and silverware.

“Seniors have treasures that have been in their families for long periods of time,” Herrmann said. “They’re interested in knowing if what they have is of value.”

Not surprisingly, patience is a key to restoring damaged porcelain.

Geller gets pieces that have been smashed, painted over and--a personal pet peeve of hers--super-glued back together.

Such glue “can actually get under the glaze,” she said in a tone of disgust. “It’s the worst thing in the world” for good porcelain.

Porcelain must be returned to its original state before restoration. Sometimes that means stripping away years of neglect.

Geller is currently working on a figurine that was caked with 90 years’ accumulation of dirt and dust. Cleaning a half-inch at a time, she is in the second week of work.

Unfortunately, as the supply of antique porcelain dwindles, so does the demand for professional restorers, Geller said.

“It’s sad, but it’s going the way of many labor-intensive crafts,” she said. “It’s a dying art.”

The workshops are aimed at seniors but are open to anyone, Herrmann said. Although the subject hasn’t been determined, the next session will take place May 13. Information, (714) 470-3062.