Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Tin-glazing is a popular pottery technique that is seen in many European ceramics such as Maiolica, Delftware and Faience. Introduced by the Moors as Hispano-Moresque ware, it was not until the 15th century that tin-glazed earthenware took hold as one of the leading forms of decorative art in the western world. It is this renaissance… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with precious metals, enhancing and elevating the importance of the damaged areas rather than hiding them. This deeply philosophical approach to restoration has a place in our studio as a time-honoured tradition, meaning that as well as conservation methods, our experts can also perform kintsugi upon… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Due to the ability to turn inexpensive minerals into highly valuable objects, early porcelain was seen as white gold. Today the value of these ceramics, especially early and rare examples, can reach phenomenal prices at auction. Meissen is the leading name in this area of the art market, with rococo figurines and decorative objects reflective… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Pottery is often thought of as a practical material, in the creation of tableware and other useful vessels for the home. The creation of art pottery – that is pottery with a strong aesthetic purpose – began in the mid to late 19th century, with the production of singular items such as bowls and vases… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Terracotta is a traditional earthenware material, found in sculptures, busts, figurines, plates and architectural designs around the world. The word terracotta translates as ‘baked earth’ and due to its classic colour is sometimes left without a glaze, allowing the rich tone of the fired clay to become part of the artwork. Above: a selection of… 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 »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
At Fine Art Restoration Company we have a diverse team of experts who can preserve and restore a wide range of materials. This not only covers traditional artworks and antiques, but valuable interior elements and specialist items. Can you restore marble and granite surfaces? Yes, our ceramics experts can restore a multitude of materials from… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Sculptures & Installation Art, Useful articles
Stone, marble and metal statues are a common feature in gardens and parks around the world. Whether they are recreations of classical figures or contemporary abstract pieces, these artworks require care to ensure they do not degrade in the often turbulent conditions of the great outdoors. This is especially relevant for the fluctuating seasons and… Read more »
The most catastrophic type of damage to an antique may appear to be when a treasured item is smashed into pieces. Ceramics are at the highest risk of accidental damage from the moment they are picked up or moved. Whether it’s from an accidental nudge, a fall from height, or an unpredictable collision, these damages… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The versatile nature of glass means that it can be found in a wide variety of antiques and contemporary design. With the oldest known use of glass dating back to the stone age, the vast history of the material has resulted in numerous uses across hundreds of years. Whilst the fragility of glass may result… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The significance of homeware ceramics can sometimes be forgotten when they are sitting in a household cabinet. These nostalgic collections are often seen as heirlooms, with more sentimental importance than emphasis on monetary value. However, hidden amidst these domestic items can be highly collectible and rare pieces. Above: a selection of antique teapots from Asia… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Modern sensitivities towards the materials used in historic items may sometimes distract from their significance. This is often highlighted in the antique textiles industry with embellishments of real fur or whalebone lining found within corsets. However, the relic of a costume could not be discounted for its use of these elements, as they are important… Read more »
There is no greater cause of distress for ceramic collectors when their unique ornaments are damaged and end up in pieces. This happened very recently for one of our clients whose precious Goldscheider figurine had severely snapped in multiple places. The figurine is of a young girl with a lamb. It is a very rare… Read more »
What would you do if your precious ceramic item was broken into many pieces? That was a question faced by one of our recent clients when a vintage cigar ashtray was accidentally damaged. Instead of being one complete intact ashtray as it had been moments earlier, it was now broken into 10 jagged pieces. Quite… Read more »
We are privileged to receive many unusual and rare objects into the studio every month. When Mr Brown contacted us, he enquired into restoring an item that we had never seen before in the studio; a unique 19th century chessboard he had been given as a gift. Our conservators have experience in restoring a variety… Read more »
One of the biggest causes of restoration is due to damage in transit. When special items are entrusted to transport companies to be safely delivered it is frustrating when instead they arrive needing repair. For particularly fragile ceramics, safe handling for long journeys is particularly important. For Mr Grisdale, his two ceramic ornaments were damaged… Read more »
When the need for restoration of ceramic items arises, the cause can most often be attributed to physical and environmental hazards. The fragile nature of ceramics means that if they are mishandled, incorrectly transported, dropped or knocked, they will likely gain some form of damage. Whether a ceramic item has been chipped, cracked in two… Read more »
Alongside our work restoring traditional easel paintings, we regularly repair and treat ceramic items. Whether a statue has been snapped or a plate has smashed into many pieces, our specialist conservators can take a look and provide our recommendations and advice. This is just what happened when we received an enquiry through for a unique… Read more »
