Iconic Hannah Cabinet to be restored

LISMORE’s iconic Hannah Cabinet, a masterpiece by craftsman Geoff Hannah, is set to be fully restored after suffering significant damage in the devastating 2022 flood.

The intricate cabinet, which took over six years to create and was valued at $1 million, will undergo a careful restoration led by International Conservation Services.

The restoration process is expected to take up to two-and-a-half years.

Mr Hannah was devastated about the damage to his work but is pleased the cabinet is finally being fully restored.

“It was heartbreaking to see it immediately after the flood,” Mr Hannah said.

Mr Hannah will be directly involved in the restoration, consulting and guiding Colin Fardon, his colleague whom he has mentored for over 18 years.

“It will be a wonderful day when the public will be able to see it again,” Mr Hannah said.

The ornate cabinet comprises 34 solid timbers and veneers, four kinds of rare shells, and 17 varieties of precious and semi-precious stones.

The main frame is made of mahogany, and the columns are made of ebony.

The popular exhibit at the Lismore Regional Art Gallery was among 1400 artworks damaged when the disaster hit.

Once fully restored and assembled, the cabinet will be returned to the care of Lismore Regional Gallery.