Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Many paintings that come to our studio have been in a family for decades, hanging on a wall of a home as a mysterious piece that has simply always been there. Others may have been recently purchased at an auction or antique shop, leaving the new owner to question its origin and age. Due to… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Case Studies, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
One of the most frequent reasons for painting restoration is discolouration of the surface. Whilst there are many factors that can lead to a dark or distorted appearance, fireplace smoke is often involved. Over the course of their life, historic artworks have usually been in one or more locations with an open fire. Historic interiors… 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 »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
A painting is made up of various layers, including paints, varnishes, and resin. Therefore, it is important for the conservation and in depth assessment of a piece to investigate what lies beneath the surface. A professional painting assessment using cross-section analysis allows our team to fully understand the complex needs of an individual painting, as… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
A pigment is a powder that gives a paint its colour, when a pigment is mixed with a binding agent it can create a medium to easily create art with, such as a traditional paint or pastel. Throughout history these have been naturally derived from various organic sources and their material may give as much… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Condition reporting is the first step of the conservation process. After a painting arrives in the studio, it is thoroughly examined by our conservators to identify areas of damage and deterioration. Condition reports help to determine the level of intervention required from our team and the treatments your artwork may require to be in a… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
When a painting undergoes a professional analysis it is important to document the process, providing a detailed overview of the condition prior to any restoration work. This will also allow for a thorough history of the artwork, both in terms of damages and any significant discoveries, to be recorded for future owners, historians, and conservators. … Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings
Signatures are an important connection between the artwork and artist, the same can be said about autographs connecting a collectable piece to an influential person. However, signature restoration is not common for ethical reasons, as the authenticity often relies on it being touched only by the hand which originally signed it. To fully retouch or… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings
During the restoration process, our team often discovers areas that have been hidden for hundreds of years. These exciting discoveries sometimes include important details which could help strengthen the authenticity, such as a signature or typical style associated with a known artist. But most often they are the result of intriguing changes to the painting… Read more »
Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Artwork is restored for various reasons, whether it is a highly sentimental piece or of great monetary value. Whilst a family portrait or treasured ornament may be restored for personal or historical reasons, an oil painting or sculpture may be restored to maintain and preserve a financial asset, or add value when it goes to… Read more »
