At Markusfeld Restoration, we love a challenge, and our recent project was certainly one to remember! A client brought us a very unusual and distressed bird feeder, wondering if it was something we’d consider restoring. After seeing its unique design, I couldn’t resist taking on the challenge.
The bird feeder was in rough shape—severely rusted, with some parts completely disintegrated. Our team carefully disassembled it, removed all loose finish and rust, and treated the bare metal to ensure lasting durability. After priming the surfaces, we scuff-sanded to blend the old and new finishes seamlessly and painted where needed. To preserve its original character, we applied a clear coat to specific components, protecting their aged patina.
We also gave the acrylic feeder funnel a deep cleaning and replaced several decayed components before reassembling the piece. The end result was stunning, and our client was thrilled to see this one-of-a-kind piece fully restored.
After doing some research, our client discovered that this bird feeder was a design by Tom Torrens, a renowned sculptor whose work has been collected both in the U.S. and abroad since the early 1970s. Though this particular piece wasn’t marked, similar designs of his were created for National Geographic and other collectors. It’s always exciting to learn the history behind the pieces we work on!
If you have a special item—be it an antique or a unique piece like this bird feeder—that needs restoration, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reply to this email or give us a call at 317-727-1536.
