The long history of wooden furniture in the UK has meant that antique pieces have often survived due to their innate durability. This means that if kept in good condition, they should be able to withstand use for centuries to come. However, the lack of quick intervention following water exposure could begin a process of… Read more »
Portrait miniatures are a fascinating part of art history, admired by many for their fine detail and skill in a diminutive style. Unlike some traditional forms of art, miniatures can be found with the use of many different materials in their production, from watercolours, gouache, graphite and enamels to copper plates, vellum, playing cards and… Read more »
Japanese prints are highly collectable, they are prized for their unique and appealing style, as well as their long history which dates back over a thousand years. When traditional woodblock prints, also known as mokuhanga, face damage or deterioration, they require a specialist conservator who is experienced in this area. Their specialist nature in conservation… 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 »
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 »
Photographs can have value both as important family pieces and valuable artworks. Although today we have great emphasis on the ability to digitally copy and reproduce what was once physical media, the material significance of a photographic print may still require treatment from a professional conservator. There is often a debate over whether the physical… Read more »
You will find our London studio in the capital’s Design District, just around the corner from the antiques and interior hub of Pimlico Road and a short walk from London Victoria or Sloane Square. When you visit our studio you will meet our team of knowledgeable staff, some of whom you are likely to see… Read more »
In early 2021, our paper conservator has been working on a pair of detailed Chinese panels. Their intriguing illustrations featured a busy scene of everyday life at a grand house and the countryside beyond. We have looked into the history of these wonderful pieces, as well as exploring the restoration process of these unique works… Read more »
Chalks and pastels are able to produce vibrant and dynamic pieces, their use in artwork has been a much-admired practice for hundreds of years. However, the fragility of the paper it sits upon and the medium itself makes a chalk or pastel drawing extremely vulnerable to environmental changes, atmospheric disturbances, natural decay, or accidental damage.… Read more »
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 »
Not all of the objects and artworks we care for at Fine Art Restoration Company are traditional antiques. Often our private and insurance clients contact us about their beloved or high-value items which can range from small Christmas ornaments and LP record covers to large mixed-media sculptures and recreational centrepieces such as chess sets. We… Read more »
At the beginning of 2021, our team visited Westonbirt School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The restoration of a wonderfully detailed Victorian mural had been in their plans since 2018, but numerous delays (including COVID-19) had allowed the water damage to develop further. This article tells the story of how our team restored the beautiful ceiling, as… Read more »
Monica came to Fine Art Restoration Company after completing her master’s degree in Easel Painting Conservation at Northumbria University and is now a central part of our conservation team in Carlisle. Moving to England from Australia to pursue her studies in conservation and start her career as a conservator, Monica had previously combined the subjects… Read more »
The history of cartography is the history of human exploration, making sense of the world in pursuit of science and political boundaries. Geography also plays a part in artistic or personal endeavours, in the creation of satirical or creative map-making, or the recording of family history. Early cartography dates back to ancient civilisations. One of… Read more »
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 »
For 25 years, Neville Ferris drove the length and breadth of the country, collecting something so unique that it gained him recognition in an ever-growing, dedicated community. This labour of love allowed him to meet and befriend legends amongst those who shared his passion, whilst creating a piece of impressive memorabilia which celebrated hundreds of… Read more »
This bright Venetian scene is a copy after Canaletto, who originally produced the oil painting during the 1730s as part of twelve views of the Grand Canal. ‘The Grand Canal looking East from the Carità towards the Bacino’ by Canaletto was first connected to Joseph Smith, a prolific patron of the artist before it was… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Rugs can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to their value and historical significance. But with the highest selling price for a Persian rug at auction in New York being $33.8m and everyday sales ranging from £3,000-£10,000, they could in some cases be more valuable than the oil paintings or sculptures which surround them. Many… Read more »
To understand how to best look after your furniture, the key is to understand the materials from which it was made. Various types of wood have been used throughout the many design styles of antique furniture, all of which are susceptible to natural decay which can be accelerated by the environment in which they sit.… Read more »
At Fine Art Restoration Company, we treat many unusual and eclectic artworks and items. Some of the most intriguing are found in the displays of natural history in antique taxidermy. What is taxidermy? Taxidermy is the term given to natural specimens which have been cleaned and preserved. Their exterior will have been mounted over a… Read more »
