Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
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, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
There are many ways to determine the age of antique furniture, such as the joinery techniques and the thickness of the veneer work. Brassware shapes are helpful indicators of changing interior design fashion throughout particular decades, if they are original to the piece this will help us to precisely assess the date of a chest… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Paintings often have symbols within their composition, whether this is the metaphor of a wilting rose or a bold reference to classical mythology. Some of the most complex and interesting symbols can be found in the depiction of Christian saints, where many pieces may appear to be inaccessible unless you have a prior understanding of… 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 »
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 »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
In churches, manor houses and museums across the United Kingdom you may come across heraldic paintings with an antiquated yet fascinating purpose. Often ignored or simply blending in with the backdrop of a historic setting, funerary hatchments once served an important role in the mourning and remembrance of dead noblemen and women. The symbolism of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Our clients always want to discover more about the history of their painting, whether this is through technical analysis or the uncovering of an artist’s signature during restoration. Whilst some artworks have a title or inscription on their frame, many historic portraits will list the title and status of their sitter on the canvas itself. … Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Fine Art Restoration Company is honoured to host a Modular Cleaning Programme Workshop led by Chris Stavroudis during the week of 19th – 23th September 2022. Limited tickets are available here at an early bird price of £650 until 22nd July. The workshop will take place in the heart of Cumbria at our Carlisle studio,… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Throughout history beds have been a vital piece of family furniture, often becoming artefacts of great importance due to their insight into how our ancestors lived. Today, many antique beds find their way back into modern homes due to their visual appeal or status as an heirloom. As functional items, historic beds often require routine… Read more »
Frames, Gilding, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Decorative antique mirrors are a statement piece for modern interiors, reminiscent of the baroque and rococo periods and historic grandeur. From the swirling ribbons of Chippendale designs to the natural curves of Art Nouveau, gilded frames can be highly valuable and much sought after depending on their provenance and visual appeal. The historic nature of… Read more »
Digital Restoration, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Photography, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Photographs can be vitally important as both personal and historical artefacts, capturing the faces of loved ones and ancestors as well as famous figures and significant events over the course of the 20th century. However, this modern medium does not always face the test of time well and may encounter devastating damage that cannot always… 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 »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Writing desks are often a much-admired antique, conjuring memories of romantic letter writing and the handwritten words of famous authors, politicians and royalty. These historic pieces of furniture may have clear signs of a practical past, such as a well-used ink well and abraded edges, as well as pieces of perishing leather and felt or… 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 »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
Botanical illustrations recording natural history are a popular and important art form, with original plates and reprints of historic watercolours used for both scientific and decorative purposes. These works on paper can often be fragile due to their medium and age, requiring specific atmospheric conditions, specialist framing and professional conservation treatments to ensure their longevity. … Read more »
