Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
St Mary’s Church in Wreay, Cumbria is a unique piece of ecclesiastical architecture which is locally, nationally and internationally renowned. Constructed in 1842, it was designed and funded by a local patron named Sarah Losh. The church is now protected by the Friends Of St Mary’s Church, who contacted our team about a beautiful portrait… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Religious institutions often have a long and detailed history which is reflected in the fascinating artwork, documents and items which have accumulated over time. A clear example of this is in religious education, in which the ambience of the school is reflective of the history and devotion which is practiced there. Above: a detail from… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the 18th century oil paintings which come to our team at Fine Art Restoration Company are portraits. In 18th century Britain, portraiture became a profitable business for many artists, who depicted not only private sitters but also famous faces, as the idea of celebrity began to take shape. The commercial dominance of portraits… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
The ocean has always inspired the imagination, creating ideas of the great unknown, the power of nature, and the possibilities for exploration and domination. Nautical themes in oil paintings may commemorate naval battles, embellish metaphorical ideas, form the backdrop to grand mythological scenes, or simply capture the beauty of a seascape. With so many possibilities… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Our equine friends have always been a vital part of history, in war, commerce and companionship. From the 17,000 year old Lascaux cave paintings, to the Victorian scenes of hunting and racing, horses have also been a recurrent character in art history, appearing in more paintings and sculptures than any other animal in the world. … Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
An artwork on a wooden panel has a unique combination of the risks found in traditional paintings and wooden antiques. This means that both materials must be thoroughly considered during presentation, care, assessment, and any required restoration treatments. Knowledge of protecting paintings on panel will reduce the possibility of drastic deterioration, which can result from… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping has been not only popular but a necessity. Auction houses around the world have been moving to get their sales online for a number of years, but in 2020 online art auctions became a central part of their business. For collectors and enthusiasts the ability to bid online from… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings
Our team often has the chance to work on remarkable artworks, including those which are important to cultural heritage. When it comes to significant artwork which may be beneficial to the public, whether this is through their connection to an event, an important figure, or social history, conservation funding can be tapped into for restoration… 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 »
The fireplace is often a central part of a room, with the space above appearing to be the perfect place to display important or much-loved painting. However, several factors should be considered when choosing a suitable location for an artwork, including the atmosphere. How does fireplace soot affect an oil painting? Smoke and soot from… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
With regional flooding becoming ever more prevalent across the United Kingdom, the risk it poses to artwork increases. Knowing how to act swiftly when faced with flood-damaged painting is key in ensuring its survival. The geography of flooding is not only limited to riverside properties, but also those in coastal locations, near floodplains, or areas… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Yes, you can hang oil paintings in sunlight. Unlike works on paper, such as watercolours and prints, oil paintings are far more resilient. However, caution should still be taken when choosing a location for important artworks. Whilst a well-lit room is fine for oil paintings, you should avoid putting them in a place which has… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
A torn painting may seem like a disaster. Whether there is a dramatic rip tearing through the face of a portrait or the intricate details of a landscape, or a small puncture wound to the canvas, these damages can be flawlessly fixed by a specialist oil painting conservator. When a painting is torn it makes… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Oil and acrylic paintings often suffer from a layer of dust forming on their surface. Acrylic paintings especially find this occurs due to thick layers of paint, known as impasto, allowing small crevices for atmospheric debris to fill. Oil paintings may attract dust due to old varnish, this was typically made from tree resin and… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Mould can arise on artworks in numerous ways, whether they are oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolours or other works on paper. It is more common during the autumn and winter months due to the greater fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Additionally, it can be triggered when there is a reduction in airflow from closed doors… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Paintings are varnished to protect the paint layer, reducing the risk of damage, as well as reducing the risk of colours fading. You may feel that your varnished painting needs brightening up, or that it has holes and cracks which require a new layer of paint which you can do yourself at home. However, this… Read more »
Sometimes when an oil painting seems to be dirty or fading, you may be tempted to try your own cleaning technique at home. It is possible to achieve a light clean if the canvas is stable, where the paint layer is not flaking or cracked, for example, removing any dust or very light contaminants upon… Read more »
We frequently deal with fire-damaged artworks and it is entirely possible to treat paintings that have been affected by soot and smoke. Our aim is to collect the artworks as quickly as possible, carry out the restoration work, and return them home when suitable to do so. We’ve set out our steps to follow below… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Moving house can be a stressful time for anyone; this experience was made even more difficult for one of our clients after their artwork was damaged by a removal company. Two highly cherished and sentimental paintings were substantially damaged – this was even harder to see after they had been entrusted to a company for… Read more »
