Artists, Gilding, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
In the mid to late 18th century, London was a thriving market for interior designers. Wealthy patrons were seeking the most fashionable and distinguished decoration. This was answered by talented architects and craftsmen who could create entire schemes inclusive of furniture, murals and decorative objects. Above: our team working on a Robert Adam ceiling in… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
For the latest instalment of our regional artists series we head to North East England to explore those artists who have based their practices in the region, where influences span from the beauty of the Northumberland coastline, to the working class reality of industrialisation. Above: a watercolour view of Barnard Castle by Joseph Mallord William… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Welcome to our latest edition of regional artists. This week we are heading to the southern region of Cornwall to explore a rich history of Cornish artists and art schools including St Ives and Newlyn. Above: a detail from an illustration of The Lion Rock from Views in Cornwall by Thomas Rowlandson, 1812 If you… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team loves to discuss art history and the many tales and insights that go along with the discoveries made in our conservation studio. Here are 101 of our favourite art history facts that we think every art lover should know covering paintings, furniture, ceramics and more! 1. Claude Monet was a popular caricaturist working… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
The continuously evolving shape of a chair has seen it mould to many fashions and interior design styles over centuries, from baroque grandeur to the natural simplicity of the arts and crafts movement. These popular pieces of antique furniture often have a long history of practical use, especially those belonging to Victorian dining sets or… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
The rococo period is known for its extravagance, standing out as the crescendo of the baroque era before neoclassicism put an end to its unblushing display of affluence. From the pastoral scenes of Watteau to the ribband furniture of Thomas Chippendale, rococo can be found in all aspects of mid to late 18th century design. … Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
This instalment in our regional artists series heads to the highlands of Scotland, a neighbour to our northern studio in the border city of Carlisle, and famous Scottish artists inspired by the region. Our team loves to explore the history of the artworks and objects we care for, including their local connections and cultural significance.… Read more »
Artists, Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Chiaroscuro (noun) the use of areas of light and dark in an artwork to create dimension One of the most effective and technical uses of colour in oil painting is known as chiaroscuro. This illuminating technique allows the artist to portray a sense of realism within their canvas, often focusing on a subject that allows… Read more »
Artists, Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Whilst older artworks may face age-related vulnerabilities, their painterly style – that is the purposeful view of brushstrokes or impasto – can often hide a great array of old damages and alternations for centuries. By contrast, modern photorealistic paintings rely so heavily on their clear and smooth visual impact that even the slightest stain, dent… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
From a bright day in the lake district to the clouded Scottish highlands, British landscape paintings can be diverse in their visual tone, often capturing idyllic conditions that inspire the imagination or memories of home. This precise and often clear style makes any distraction – such as tears, scratches, stains or overall discolouration – a… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
As one of the most attractive parts of the English countryside, the Cotswolds region has inspired many creative minds over the centuries – this is why it is our next instalment of regional art history, where we look into the many famous Cotswolds artists and craftspeople who have called this area their home or taken… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
As the most famous furniture designer of the 18th century and possibly ever since, Thomas Chippendale produced numerous designs reflecting the fashionable styles of the period. From grand rococo frills to strong neoclassical statements, it was Chippendale’s chairs that were of particular prominence, with their designs still being replicated today and originals being highly sought… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
As the Tudor dynasty came to an end, Britain went through a period of upheaval with events such as the execution of Charles I and civil war, through to the great fire of London and glorious revolution which saw William and Mary ascend to the throne in place of James II. Just as Dutch royalty… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team at Fine Art Restoration Company often enjoy looking into the history of artworks we receive for conservation work. Many artworks come to us from the South East and have connections to the area, which is why we have chosen famous Kent artists as the second chapter in our ongoing series of regional artist… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Still life is a popular and much admired genre, it can be found in many homes around the world in a wide variety of styles. From antiquity to contemporary art, still life has never ceased to be the jumping off point for in depth artistic endeavours – however, there are many who admire it for… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Of the many unusual artworks we care for at Fine Art Restoration Company, some of the most interesting are those with a connection to an obscure yet fascinating artist. Our team enjoy looking into the history of the artworks they help to preserve and would like to share with you one of their favourites to… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
The lake district has for centuries inspired many Cumbrian artists and writers, so it is no surprise that many reside in Cumbria. Our custom-built conservation studio in Carlisle is just a stone’s throw from the beauty of the national park; when we have artwork connected to the area visiting our conservation team, it is always… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
19th century art is most easily categorised by the era in which it was created, whether this is the beginning of the century under the Prince Regent, later King George IV, known as the regency period from 1795 to 1837, or the latter half under the reign of Queen Victoria. Above: a detail from a… Read more »
Artists, Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Sculpted driftwood contains a history intertwined with it’s salvaged material – this is the notion that artist Guy Taplin attaches to his work. Famously producing a diverse collection of wild birds and waterfowl, this popular sculptor has produced hundreds of classic designs. His driftwood bird artwork is so popular that it is often reflected in… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
In the hierarchy of genres, as was developed over centuries, the highest form of oil painting depicted historical or allegorical subjects. As epic poetry was upon the highest pedestal of literature, as was the display of epic narratives on canvas. Often referred to as ‘the grand genre’, history painting established itself through the use of… Read more »
