Period Correct
Period Correct is a term used in furniture restoration and antique furniture work that means recreating or restoring pieces to match their original historical time period exactly. This includes using authentic materials, techniques, and styles that would have been used when the piece was first made. For example, if someone is restoring a Victorian-era chair from 1850, being "period correct" means they would use materials and methods available in that time, not modern alternatives. This is different from general furniture restoration, which might use contemporary materials and techniques to fix old furniture.
Examples in Resumes
Restored 18th century cabinet using Period Correct materials and techniques
Specialized in Period Correct furniture restoration for museum-quality pieces
Led workshop team in Period Correct antique furniture reproduction
Typical job title: "Period Correct Furniture Restorers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Period Correct Furniture Restorers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach dating and authenticating an antique piece before restoration?
Expected Answer: A senior restorer should explain their process of examining construction methods, materials, and wear patterns to determine age and authenticity, including which reference materials they use and how they document their findings.
Q: How do you manage a complex restoration project while training junior staff?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project planning, delegation of tasks, teaching opportunities, quality control, and how they balance efficient workflow with maintaining historical accuracy and training needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What steps do you take to match historical finishes and colors?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process of analyzing original finishes, mixing custom colors, and testing on sample pieces to ensure authentic matches to historical pieces.
Q: How do you determine which restoration techniques to use on different types of damage?
Expected Answer: Should describe assessment process, consideration of the piece's age and value, and how they choose between preservation, restoration, or reproduction techniques.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic tools and materials needed for period correct furniture restoration?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential hand tools, traditional materials, and basic finishing supplies used in historical furniture restoration.
Q: How do you identify different wood types used in historical furniture?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of common historical woods, their characteristics, and simple identification methods.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wood identification
- Traditional hand tools use
- Simple repairs and refinishing
- Understanding of historical styles
Mid (3-7 years)
- Complex restoration techniques
- Historical finish matching
- Period appropriate joinery
- Detailed documentation methods
Senior (8+ years)
- Project management
- Authentication expertise
- Advanced restoration planning
- Training and supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of historical furniture styles and periods
- Preference for modern materials over traditional ones
- Lack of hand tool experience
- No understanding of wood movement and aging
- Unable to explain different finishing techniques
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