Gilding can be found upon a wide variety of antiques, as well as some contemporary pieces. This embellishment can be very durable if properly maintained, through accidental damage the gold leaf may be vulnerable to scratches, abrasions, and complete loss. Many of these issues can be minimised with the correct measures in place and with… Read more »
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. Knowing how to look after panel artworks will reduce the possibility of drastic deterioration, which can result… Read more »
A pigment is a powder that gives a paint its colour, when a pigment is mixed with a binding agent it can create a medium to easily create art with, such as a traditional paint or pastel. Throughout history these have been naturally derived from various organic sources and their material may give as much… Read more »
Upon viewing and assessing an artwork, you may not give much attention to the frame it resides in. Whether the frame is a gilded decorative piece or a simple and modern design, these vessels are important in protecting your artwork as well as displaying them. However, when inappropriate methods and materials are used, artwork may… Read more »
Condition reporting is the first step of the conservation process. After a painting arrives in the studio, it is thoroughly examined by our conservators to identify areas of damage and deterioration. This helps to determine the level of intervention required from our team and the treatments your artwork may require to be in a safe… Read more »
Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Painting, Useful articles
When a painting undergoes a professional analysis it is important to document the process, providing a detailed overview of the condition prior to any restoration work. This will also allow for a thorough history of the artwork, both in terms of damages and any significant discoveries, to be recorded for future owners, historians, and conservators. … Read more »
Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Painting, Useful articles
For the last decade, the renowned yet mysterious street artist Banksy has continued to grow in popularity. And whilst his influential murals are central to his artform, their location and complexity in ownership make them hard for a collector to obtain. Therefore, the market for Banksy prints is stronger than ever, with numbered pieces often… Read more »
Guides and advice, Latest News, Oil Painting, 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 it secured itself as a central part of their business. For collectors and enthusiasts the ability to bid online from… Read more »
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 »
Marquetry is a method of wooden embellishment which is as old as classical civilisation. This intricate art form has been found in the city of Pompeii and the Herculaneum, but like many forms of art, it became hugely popular across Europe during the renaissance period in the 16th century, beginning in the artistic epicentres of… Read more »
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 »
Antique toys and games may have connections to family history, a nostalgia that makes them highly collectable, or still, be in use as everyday entertainment. From academic games of chess to open air play with games of croquet, our conservators are expert in sensitively restoring pieces which may date back generations. Jaques of London… Read more »
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 »
Movie memorabilia is an appealing area for many collectors, whether this is through connections to nostalgia or famous franchises, or the ever-rising monetary value or rare items. When collectibles are met with damage through natural or accidental means, it can be devastating and some may be more vulnerable to deterioration than others. Works on paper,… Read more »
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 woodblock 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… 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 »
