Our leap into the deep end

The three restorers Jacqueline Tüpker, Katrin Plendl and Ariane Ohl set up their own businesswhile they were still training at the Goering Institute in Munich. A venture that has paid off. They are holding an open day on October 7.

In the heart of Schwabing, you enter the restorers’ courtyard through an ornate wrought-iron gate. Jacqueline Tüpker, Katrin Plendl and Ariane Ohl set up their workshop for wood restoration and gilding work here around two years ago. They now work next door to wood and stone sculptors, painting restorers and a material imitator in the small, winding backyard at Kaulbachstraße 77. On October 7, the three wood restorers are organizing an open day. The other workshops will also be taking part and inviting visitors to take a look around.

Jacqueline Tüpker, a trained carpenter, Katrin Plendl, a trained dental technician, and Ariane Ohl, a trained carpenter, got to know each other during their studies at the Goering Institute in Munich, the state-recognized specialist academy for furniture and wood object restoration training. “One day, when we were taking a break, the painting restorer came and asked us where she could put up an advertisement for a workshop that she wanted to sublet,” says Ariane Ohl. The announcement was posted on the notice board of the Goering Institute and the TU Munich for over a year. During this time, the three restorers developed the desire to set up their own business together. However, as they were still in training, they hesitated at first, but decided to take the plunge anyway. In the end, they rented the small workshop in the restorers’ courtyard. “It was almost as if the workshop had been waiting for us,” says Katrin Plendl. And so a student acquaintance became a workshop community.

A major order came right at the beginning

First, however, the premises had to be extensively renovated. Together, the three of them laid a new floor, plastered and painted the walls and set up their workspace – all during the summer vacation, as they were due to graduate from the academy at the same time. The restorers were already completing their specialist work in their own workshop while also taking care of their first commissions.

Since graduating from the Goering Institute in summer 2016, Jacqueline Tüpker, Katrin Plendl and Ariane Ohl have been working in their workshop every day. There is no division of tasks. Whether furniture, sculptures, polychrome objects or gilding work – everyone does everything and appreciates the variety. They work together on larger objects. “The good thing is that the three of us graduated at the same time. That means there is no boss or foreman to put pressure on us. We can discuss any problems openly,” says Ariane Ohl happily.

They also helped each other when it came to setting up the workshop. Everyone brought what tools, machines and materials they already had. And if something was missing, the colleagues in the adjacent workshops in the restorers’ yard helped out. “We received a very warm welcome here and were supported with knowledge and tools right from the start,” reports Katrin Plendl. The three of them were also given jobs in the field of furniture restoration. As a result, they received a large order from a customer right at the start – the majority of her home furnishings were to be restored: a Biedermeier secretary, several tables, an armchair and a sewing box. A great start, but also a leap in the dark. The three restorers also received help from former employers. “During our training, Ariane and I worked for different restorers at weekends and during the vacations to gain experience. Everyone was very happy that we were starting our own business and tried to support us as much as possible. We’ve been very lucky so far,” says Jacqueline Tüpker.

However, not everything was easy. They found calculating the costs particularly difficult at first – something you only have to deal with when you are self-employed. But here, too, they were able to count on the support of colleagues and lecturers at the Goering Institute, which is less than 200 meters away from the workshop.

Cooperation also requires a willingness to compromise

The restorers can now look forward to receiving orders for a wide variety of larger and smaller objects. For example, a small black cabinet made of softwood and pear wood with painted drawer fronts has just been completed. In addition to conservation measures, they also advise their customers on how to deal with contaminated objects or objects damaged by worm infestation and receive positive feedback for this. The exchange with colleagues is also important, especially if the objects are made of materials other than wood. This is where the individual disciplines come together. The three experts have already built up a network of sculptors, clockmakers, upholsterers, paper, metal and glass restorers.

However, working together also requires a willingness to compromise. “Of course we discuss things from time to time. But in the end there is always a solution that we are all happy with,” reveals Jacqueline Tüpker. This was the case, for example, when it came to choosing a name for their workshop. The three of them are now known as the “Restoration workshop for furniture, sculptures and gilding work in the restorers’ courtyard” – and that’s the best way to put it.

When asked what they would like for their future, the three agree: “If the orders were big enough to allow us to plan for the long term – that would be a bit of security.” A wish that will hopefully come true. Because Jacqueline Tüpker, Katrin Plendl and Ariane Ohl are passionate about their work and their customers can feel that too.

You can find out more about the three restorers’ open day on October 7 here (program included):PDF DOWNLOAD

Information about the restorers Jacqueline Tüpker, Katrin Plendl and Ariane Ohl and their workshop can be found here:PDF DOWNLOAD
and at www.restaurierungs-werkstatt.de