Delicate matters: How a grand chandelier was brought back to life

For our Private Clients, claims often go beyond monetary value. They’re about sentiment, heritage, and irreplaceable craftsmanship. When a cleaner accidentally toppled a grand antique chandelier — smashing it into pieces — the client feared the worst. But our expert team knew there might be more to salvage than met the eye.

The chandelier, acquired with the property over 20 years ago, had no official valuation. But through internal research and collaboration with restoration experts, we estimated its value at around £8,500. Our specialist antiques team advised that, if original crystal prisms and fittings could be sourced, restoration was possible — at a cost of approximately £5,000.

We kept the client informed every step of the way, including when progress was delayed by the restorer’s unexpected illness. Once work resumed, the painstaking five-month restoration was completed. Logistics then became the next challenge: transporting the delicate chandelier from Surrey to Lancashire, and coordinating the complex, on-site reassembly and winching into place.

Unfortunately, once hung, something didn’t look right. The chandelier sat unevenly — suggesting either transit damage or an installation fault. Rather than apportion blame, we made the proactive decision to resolve it. Our original restorer agreed to travel to site, and to our relief, quickly diagnosed the issue: a loosened balancing bar bolt, not structural damage. A simple adjustment returned the piece to its original grandeur.

“They have just been today to repair the chandelier. They were on the job for about three hours… it wasn’t bent after all, just needed tightening. It’s great now. Thanks very much for your help — much appreciated.”

This wasn’t just a successful restoration. It was a masterclass in how tailored solutions and personal service can turn a stressful accident into a story of craftsmanship, trust, and care. And by opting for restoration over replacement, we delivered value to both client and broker — proving that when it comes to Private Clients, details matter.