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, 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 »
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 »
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 »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Monochrome engravings, etchings, mezzotints and aquatints require specialist care and attention due to their high value and historic significance. With some antique engravings dating as far back as the 15th century, these delicate works on paper may have been stored and displayed in a variety of challenging environmental conditions. Now hundreds of years old, they… 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 »
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 »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
From the turn of the century art, graphic design, architecture and interiors headed towards a theme of glamorous modernity. Art Deco items represented luxury and a confidence in the progress of technology and social enlightenment, emerging across all aspects of life from community buildings through to everyday objects in the home. Now reaching one hundred… Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
In recent years you may have noticed several news stories about botched art restorations, the most famous of these sparking both humour and debate about ethics and how best to protect historic paintings and sculptures. Many of these disasters could have been avoided if a professional conservator had been appointed, especially as many of the… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Art is an important feature for many masonic lodges, whether this is an oil painting or unique item which can aid the continuation of masonic studies, advancement ceremonies and rituals throughout the world. Masonic tracing boards are one of the most significant pieces of a lodge’s historic collection, but like many art forms they can… 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 »
