About Eli
Professor Eli Rios is one of the leading authorities on furniture conservation and restoration in the country, his expertise lies in using traditional materials and methods for historically correct restoration.
We have recommended Eli and his firm for many years to clients and continue to use him personally with expert results.
Melinda Papp
The Florian Papp Gallery
Professor Rios’ desire to learn all facets of antique restoration and conservation led him to pursue a variety of technical and academic studies. He is certified through the Smithsonian Conservator’s Analytical Laboratory as a Conservator where his main focus was the Chemistry of Historical Materials. At Amherst College he received a certificate in “Wood Boring Insect Infestation and Treatment” and “Wood Identification.” He completed a course of study at John Brown University in the Chemistry of Polymer and Modern Materials. His diverse educational background coupled with his many years of hands on experience makes him an expert in antique conservation.
His career in antiques further developed at Sotheby’s where he spent 8 years as a Forman/Manager. There he had access to the creme de la creme of antique furniture. He taught courses on the “Do’s and Don’ts of Antiques” to Sotheby’s clients. At the New York University Appraisal Studies Program, he teaches the “Fine Points of Antique Authentication”. He was a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology teaching Applied Chemistry of Historic Materials for 8 years. Currently, at the University Club, Professor Rios lectures a course to professionals and collectors titled “Fake, Fraud or Genuine”. The seminar is haled as one of the more informative classes that the Club hosts. Additionally, he has been called on to provide expert knowledge at several other institutions such as Brandeis University and Cooper Hewitt.
A regular on the Martha Stewart Show
and in her magazine, Professor Rios demonstrates the proper care of antiques. He has also been featured on “All Year Round with Katie Brown” a fun show for young collectors and “the B Smith Show” which addresses the problems of antique care on the west coast. He has been featured in numerous articles such as the New York Times, “Where to Find It” section where he was cited as the Conservator expert on French Polishing and Gilding advice and techniques.
ECR maintains a high-end roster of clientele including private collectors, auction houses, dealer’s, galleries, and design firms such as Cullman & Kravis, D Hoffman, MACII, M. Puris, Studio Sofield, Earl Graves, Martha Stewart, JP Morgan Library, B. Costas, Sotheby’s Auction House, J. Rockefeller, Christies Auction House, Florian Papp, Aquavella Gallery and Keno Brother’s.