Portrait
Working on a great variety of objects I find the task of restoration both exciting and complex. Each item carries me away into a different époque and lifestyle. Finding an adequate solution to the ideal method of conservation/restoration repeatedly means thoroughly investigating traditional materials, the applied craftsmanship and the art history behind the piece. Again and again new challenges have to be met and innovative ways of solving conservational problems need to be found, whether I am working on an article of daily use, a painted statue, a Biedermeier chair, a Baroque tall cupboard, a mantle piece clock, a historical instrument and my personal favourite: English furniture antiques…
Biography
1983 Graduation Akademisches Gymnasium, Vienna
1983-1986 studies of Psychology and Pedagogy, University of Vienna
1987-1989 apprenticeship with the traditional Vienna cabinet makers Portois and Fix
Additional training: intarsia
Additional training: historical wooden surfaces
Additional training: advisor in interior design
Additional training: historical craftsmanship
1989 apprenticeship exam
1989-92 restorer with Axel Peter's Antiques, Vienna
1992-93 studies of Antique furniture restoration,
B.A.D.A. Diploma, West Dean College, West Sussex, UK
Additional training: turnery
1993-95 free-lance restorer with The National Council for Conservation-Restoration Vienna. (Bundesdenkmalamt, Wien)
1995 Opening of workshop Janka Esterházy Restorations, in Vienna's 19th district
1997 Joint-workshop with Bernhard Raftl
2006: opening of Studio Esterházy & Raftl in Vienna's 16th district
Working partnership with Robert Gaugl on restoration projects in:
Hetzendorf Palace, oak-panelled hall
Rochus church, Vienna, winter vestry
Exhibition Uhr-werke, Burg Forchtenstein
