Case Studies, Ceramics, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Museum collections often require the attention of a conservator, whether this is to provide routine maintenance or prepare items for longterm display. The Paisley Museum and Art Gallery reached out to our team for assistance with their historic collection of Syrian glass. Above: Amy working on one of Paisley Museum’s glass vessels – image copyright… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Welcome back to our conservation curiosities series where we look into some of the more unusual and interesting items that come into our studio. Today we are going to explore the history and care of the jardinière, a popular and practical antique that is much admired by collectors and gardeners around the world. Above: a… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
As one of the earliest mediums in western art history, marble has been a dominant influence on artists for centuries. From the classical sculptures of ancient Greece to the marble halls of Art Deco buildings, this versatile material is known for its semi-opaque surface and long-lasting vibrancy. Above: marble sculptures from ancient Greece, ancient Rome,… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Textiles, Useful articles
Every generation has been influenced by the unique toys and games of their childhood, but one piece has remained timeless for all. Dolls have been adored by their owners since ancient Rome, although their materials have changed over time – their enrichment has remained the same. As we grow older, these childhood companions may remain… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Tied with Chelsea as the first porcelain factory in England, Bow was famous for its industrious output and development of fine bone china. Inspired by the exported goods from Asia, which had been competition for British craftsmen since the 17th century, Bow set about creating its own designs as well as directly copying those from… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
The story of Wedgwood is not only one of great creative influence, but industrial ingenuity. In an era when the potteries of Great Britain had a rather unsophisticated production line, Josiah Wedgwood stepped forth to revolutionise and popularise an efficient yet highly artistic output of marketable earthenware and stoneware. Above: various items by Wedgwood including… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Wedgwood has been one of the most influential and popular ceramic brands since the mid 18th century. Today some of the most sought after designs can sell for upwards of £100,000 at auction and knowing how to determine their age and authenticity can help in securing insurance and sales. This guide will outline some of… Read more »
Sculpting the human form in a diminutive size is one of the earliest themes in art history, dating as far back as the neolithic period and the famous Venus of Willendorf. Since then, the style has evolved along with the materials made available to artists – from the terracotta grave companions in Tang dynasty China,… Read more »
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Enamelling is an appealing feature of decorative ceramics, trinkets and snuff boxes, whether it is found glazed upon a white clock face or expertly applied in bright colours. Enamel is a versatile material, often used to create texture as well as forming unique patterns and finishes. Above: different forms of enamel decoration With time, this… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Restoration stories, Useful articles
From walls filled with oil paintings to cabinets full of porcelain, many of our clients have extensive and diverse collections. For an enthusiastic connoisseur of art and antiques, the value of each item is often highly personal rather than simply monetary. Above: a selection of Kähler vases from our client This was the case with… Read more »
Due to its easily sculpted and versatile nature, alabaster has been used as a decorative material for thousands of years. Utilised by the ancient Egyptians and designers of the Art Deco period, you may find it in the form of a Pharaoh’s sarcophagus or an early 20th century lamp. Above: a selection of alabaster items… Read more »
Some of the most valuable antiques in the world are made of Chinese porcelain. This esteem and artistic tradition is centuries old, with the first imports coming to Europe in the 17th century as highly sought after items for royalty and aristocracy. Today, we still recognise this late Ming period as being an important era… Read more »
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Welcome to our conservation curiosity series, this week we are looking into the world of miniature Japanese sculptures known as netsuke. These unassuming figurines have been known to fetch six figures at auction, but are not often recognised by the untrained eye. Above: a selection of antique netsuke carved in ivory, wood and lacquer Typically… Read more »
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The collection of artwork housed by a church, abbey or cathedral can be diverse in both age and medium. Some of the most contrasting pieces are statues, from mediaeval wooden carvings to modern fibreglass figures. Above: from left to right, a stone apostle from 1440-50, ‘The Miracle of the Palm Tree’ from 1490-1510, Virgin and… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Restoration stories, Useful articles
Priceless memories are often found embedded in the brushstrokes of a painting, the gaze of a porcelain figurine or the remnants of ink upon a well-used writing desk. In our restoration studio, trained conservators protect many items that hold personal importance to clients, from family heirlooms to beloved portraits. This was the case with a… Read more »
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Some of the most popular pieces of antique porcelain and bone china come from well-loved tea sets. Whether teacups and teapots are family heirlooms, decorative objects or still serve a practical purpose, it is worth looking into their history to establish possible value and any need for professional preservation. From historic Yixing teapots to the… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Restoration stories, Useful articles
Our clients often approach us with their most treasured possessions following an accident or disaster, with many items holding deep personal meaning to a family or individual. This is why each painting, ceramic or piece of furniture that graces our studio is treated with the utmost care, whether their value is sentimental or monetary. Some… Read more »
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Ceramic tiles have been a part of art history for thousands of years, whether this is in the form of a mosaic or individual pieces. Over time, tiles may become broken, cracked or loose, resulting in a disturbed visual appearance in need of professional care to avoid further loss. This article will explore the materials… Read more »
Discovering how much your antique ceramics are worth can often be accomplished by analysing the materials, colour, finish and maker’s mark. This antique porcelain valuation guide will help you to establish the possible maker and era of treasured porcelain figurines, dishes and tea sets. Porcelain varieties Porcelain will be slightly translucent when held up to… 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 »
