Ian Ashdown
Restorer of old weapons and metal objects
Onnens

« I like challenges, difficulties. A piece that does not resist me does not interest me, the finished work no longer attracts me. »

Ian Ashdown tried various trades before training for seven years in the restoration workshops of the Tower of London. After a stint at the Wallace Collection in London, he arrived in Switzerland in 1975 and worked at the Swiss Institute of Ancient Weapons at the Château de Grandson. In 1987, he created his company. He restores old weapons, metal objects and designs exhibitions.

« When I started my training as an assistant restaurateur, I didn’t know it yet, but I had found my way. »

In his workshop located in the center of Onnens, Ian Ashdown combines his know-how, his scientific knowledge and his artistic sense to restore their letters of nobility to armours, firearms, swords, crossbows and other helmets dating from the Middle Ages or Renaissance. Its clientele includes prestigious museums and private collectors from all over the world.

Diplomas

1974 Diploma in Conservation of Archaeological and Historical Objects, Institute of Archeology, University College London

1972 Laboratory techniques, The Institute of Science Technology, London

1972 Conservator and restorer of ancient weapons and metal objects, The Armories HM Tower of London

1969 Industrial sheet metal, with distinction, City & Guilds of London Institute

1968 General Mechanics, Honors, City & Guilds of London Institute

Connections

http://www.societedesarts.ch/events/event/atelier-ian-ashdown/

https://www.laregion.ch/des-arbres-d%E2%80%99une-exceptionnelle-rarete/