In the world of museum conservation, few names shine as brightly as David Cottier-Angeli. An artist, scientist, and restorer, his journey is a tapestry of passion, expertise, and devotion to the preservation of history and culture. His mastery of metal patinas, combined with his deep understanding of conservation science, has not only earned him global recognition but has also made him a trusted collaborator for museums, artists, and collectors alike.
From an early age, David exhibited a fascination with the interplay of art and science, a passion that led him to study at the prestigious Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Geneva, where he earned certificates jewellery making, and tribology. His foundational years were shaped by rigorous training in both craftsmanship and theoretical disciplines, including chemistry and archaeometallurgy at University College London. Here, he honed his understanding of ancient metallurgical techniques and developed a profound appreciation for the stories metals carry through time.
His career blossomed at Piaget, Geneva, where he crafted exquisite timepieces, mastering the art of jewellery design. This early exposure to precision and luxury would later serve him well in collaborations with esteemed watchmakers like Vacheron Constantin. Yet, David’s heart belonged to the preservation of history, a calling that took him to some of the world’s most revered institutions. At the British Museum and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, he trained in the delicate restoration of ancient gold, bronze, and iron artefacts, refining his skills under the mentorship of leading experts in the field.
David was a student of Ronald Frank Tylecote and Beno Rothenberg, two key figures in the field of archaeometallurgy, who greatly influenced his understanding of ancient metal production and technology. He later worked with Paul Craddock at the British Museum, applying scientific approaches to the analysis and conservation of metal artifacts. His knowledge deepened further when he participated in an excavation at Timna, an ancient copper mine, conducted by his leading teacher. These experiences allowed him to bridge theoretical learning with practical application, immersing himself in the study of early metal technologies and historical mining techniques. His hands-on experience reached new heights at Poggio Civitate in Murlo, Siena, where he participated in large-scale bronze smelting, replicating techniques used by ancient metalworkers in furnaces exceeding 1000°C.
David’s journey into conservation deepened during his participation in excavations at Timna, an ancient copper mine, where he learned to connect material properties with historical narratives. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his specialization in metal patinas—a field where artistry meets science to breathe new life into aged materials. Over the years, David has worked on pieces by renowned artists such as Giacometti, Rodin, Miró, and Moore, applying his unique touch to enhance their brilliance while preserving their integrity.
The art of creating patinas, for David, is both a science and a labour of love. Through meticulous techniques like metal mineralization and passivation treatments, he ensures the durability and aesthetic allure of his work, adhering strictly to REACH standards to meet modern environmental and safety regulations. His innovations extend to custom alloys, where he manipulates structural compositions to create materials with extraordinary properties, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in conservation and craftsmanship.
David’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of thePro Cultura Hungarica distinction (1998) for transferring scientific and technological knowledge to Hungary and the prestigious Prix Irène Meynieux from the French Association for the Advancement of Science, Paris (1994) for groundbreaking research on Etruscan gold granulations. These accolades underscore his relentless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to advancing his field.
Clients and collaborators have lauded David’s skill and professionalism. Eve Maria Ayer, a patron who entrusted him with the authentication of ancient artworks, describes him as “skilled, reliable, and a pleasure to work with.” Zsuzsa, who collaborated with him on a project for a world-leading fashion house, praises his creative thinking and ability to perform at the highest standards. Meanwhile, Livie Gallone, a Christie’s affiliate, hails him as “one of the best restorers in Suisse Romande,” commending his respect for the artworks and the satisfaction of their mutual clients.
Beyond conservation, David has ventured into research and development, crafting coloured alloys from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. These alloys, tailored to specific client needs, are a testament to his scientific ingenuity and dedication to innovation. His ability to manipulate atomic structures allows him to produce alloys with unparalleled chemical stability, reflective brilliance, and traceability, making his work indispensable in both artistic and industrial contexts.
In addition to his technical expertise, David is an innovator in exhibition technology. His dual-sided robotic mechanism is a marvel of engineering, designed to elegantly showcase artefacts such as Roman gold coins or Vacheron Constantin’s intricate watch calibres. This mechanism, controlled via touchscreen, minimizes vibrations and ensures the safety of displayed items, embodying the perfect harmony of functionality and artistry.
Teaching and mentorship have also played a significant role in David’s career. From training metal conservators at the Vatican Museums to presenting groundbreaking research at international conferences like MetalEspaña, he has shared his knowledge with professionals and students worldwide. His teachings on ancient metallurgical techniques and conservation practices have inspired a new generation of conservators.
David’s expertise is not limited to artistic conservation. As an Associate of the Swiss Chamber of Technical and Scientific Forensic Experts, he provides vital services such as authenticity assessments, mediation in material degradation disputes, and disaster response evaluations. His meticulous approach, grounded in scientific rigour, ensures reliable insights and solutions for complex challenges in materials decay. His work is further strengthened by the rigorous approach instilled by Dr. Itiel Dror, a leading expert in Cognitive Bias, whose insights into human decision-making have influenced David’s critical assessments and analytical processes.
The scope of David’s contributions extends to his scholarly work. He has published on topics ranging from ancient silver-plated ceramics to the restoration of iconic bronze sculptures. His articles, such as “La couleur de l’argent” and “De l’orpaillage aux granules des orfèvres”, reflect his deep understanding of the interplay between science, history, and art.
Today, David’s workshop is a hub of creativity and precision, where he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in metal conservation. Whether restoring archaeological treasures, crafting bespoke jewellery, or developing innovative alloys, his work is a testament to his passion for preserving the past while embracing the future.
David Cottier-Angeli stands as a guardian of cultural heritage, a master craftsman, and a visionary innovator. His journey is a rich narrative of dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—an enduring legacy etched in metal and history.
Restoration of the Marcus Aurelius bronze portrait found in Pecs – National Treasure of Hungary
Mastering Conservation of Museum Objects, specialized in metal Patinas
Fellow member of the International Institute for the Conservation of Museum Objects
Associate Member of the Swiss Chamber of Technical and Scientific Forensic Experts
In the world of museum conservation, few names shine as brightly as David Cottier-Angeli. An artist, scientist, and restorer, his journey is a tapestry of passion, expertise, and devotion to the preservation of history and culture. His mastery of metal patinas, combined with his deep understanding of conservation science, has not only earned him global recognition but has also made him a trusted collaborator for museums, artists, and collectors alike.
From an early age, David exhibited a fascination with the interplay of art and science, a passion that led him to study at the prestigious Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Geneva, where he earned certificates jewellery making, and tribology. His foundational years were shaped by rigorous training in both craftsmanship and theoretical disciplines, including chemistry and archaeometallurgy at University College London. Here, he honed his understanding of ancient metallurgical techniques and developed a profound appreciation for the stories metals carry through time.
His career blossomed at Piaget, Geneva, where he crafted exquisite timepieces, mastering the art of jewellery design. This early exposure to precision and luxury would later serve him well in collaborations with esteemed watchmakers like Vacheron Constantin. Yet, David’s heart belonged to the preservation of history, a calling that took him to some of the world’s most revered institutions. At the British Museum and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, he trained in the delicate restoration of ancient gold, bronze, and iron artefacts, refining his skills under the mentorship of leading experts in the field.
David was a student of Ronald Frank Tylecote and Beno Rothenberg, two key figures in the field of archaeometallurgy, who greatly influenced his understanding of ancient metal production and technology. He later worked with Paul Craddock at the British Museum, applying scientific approaches to the analysis and conservation of metal artifacts. His knowledge deepened further when he participated in an excavation at Timna, an ancient copper mine, conducted by his leading teacher. These experiences allowed him to bridge theoretical learning with practical application, immersing himself in the study of early metal technologies and historical mining techniques. His hands-on experience reached new heights at Poggio Civitate in Murlo, Siena, where he participated in large-scale bronze smelting, replicating techniques used by ancient metalworkers in furnaces exceeding 1000°C.
David’s journey into conservation deepened during his participation in excavations at Timna, an ancient copper mine, where he learned to connect material properties with historical narratives. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his specialization in metal patinas—a field where artistry meets science to breathe new life into aged materials. Over the years, David has worked on pieces by renowned artists such as Giacometti, Rodin, Miró, and Moore, applying his unique touch to enhance their brilliance while preserving their integrity.
The art of creating patinas, for David, is both a science and a labour of love. Through meticulous techniques like metal mineralization and passivation treatments, he ensures the durability and aesthetic allure of his work, adhering strictly to REACH standards to meet modern environmental and safety regulations. His innovations extend to custom alloys, where he manipulates structural compositions to create materials with extraordinary properties, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in conservation and craftsmanship.
David’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of thePro Cultura Hungarica distinction (1998) for transferring scientific and technological knowledge to Hungary and the prestigious Prix Irène Meynieux from the French Association for the Advancement of Science, Paris (1994) for groundbreaking research on Etruscan gold granulations. These accolades underscore his relentless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to advancing his field.
Clients and collaborators have lauded David’s skill and professionalism. Eve Maria Ayer, a patron who entrusted him with the authentication of ancient artworks, describes him as “skilled, reliable, and a pleasure to work with.” Zsuzsa, who collaborated with him on a project for a world-leading fashion house, praises his creative thinking and ability to perform at the highest standards. Meanwhile, Livie Gallone, a Christie’s affiliate, hails him as “one of the best restorers in Suisse Romande,” commending his respect for the artworks and the satisfaction of their mutual clients.
Beyond conservation, David has ventured into research and development, crafting coloured alloys from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. These alloys, tailored to specific client needs, are a testament to his scientific ingenuity and dedication to innovation. His ability to manipulate atomic structures allows him to produce alloys with unparalleled chemical stability, reflective brilliance, and traceability, making his work indispensable in both artistic and industrial contexts.
In addition to his technical expertise, David is an innovator in exhibition technology. His dual-sided robotic mechanism is a marvel of engineering, designed to elegantly showcase artefacts such as Roman gold coins or Vacheron Constantin’s intricate watch calibres. This mechanism, controlled via touchscreen, minimizes vibrations and ensures the safety of displayed items, embodying the perfect harmony of functionality and artistry.
Teaching and mentorship have also played a significant role in David’s career. From training metal conservators at the Vatican Museums to presenting groundbreaking research at international conferences like MetalEspaña, he has shared his knowledge with professionals and students worldwide. His teachings on ancient metallurgical techniques and conservation practices have inspired a new generation of conservators.
David’s expertise is not limited to artistic conservation. As an Associate of the Swiss Chamber of Technical and Scientific Forensic Experts, he provides vital services such as authenticity assessments, mediation in material degradation disputes, and disaster response evaluations. His meticulous approach, grounded in scientific rigour, ensures reliable insights and solutions for complex challenges in materials decay. His work is further strengthened by the rigorous approach instilled by Dr. Itiel Dror, a leading expert in Cognitive Bias, whose insights into human decision-making have influenced David’s critical assessments and analytical processes.
The scope of David’s contributions extends to his scholarly work. He has published on topics ranging from ancient silver-plated ceramics to the restoration of iconic bronze sculptures. His articles, such as “La couleur de l’argent” and “De l’orpaillage aux granules des orfèvres”, reflect his deep understanding of the interplay between science, history, and art.
Today, David’s workshop is a hub of creativity and precision, where he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in metal conservation. Whether restoring archaeological treasures, crafting bespoke jewellery, or developing innovative alloys, his work is a testament to his passion for preserving the past while embracing the future.
David Cottier-Angeli stands as a guardian of cultural heritage, a master craftsman, and a visionary innovator. His journey is a rich narrative of dedication, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—an enduring legacy etched in metal and history.