Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
During our conservation work throughout the United Kingdom, we often find ourselves in ecclesiastical settings such as historic churches and abbeys. The collections of art and items residing in these centuries-old establishments may be suffering in their own old age, as well as facing dangers from their years spent in candle-lit, similarly antique atmospheres. Our… Read more »
Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team cares for a great multitude of items and artworks, including paintings, ceramics, furniture, paper, textiles, and memorabilia. This means that we frequently have contact with private clients and collectors across the United Kingdom with diverse and specialist items, as well as traditional pieces. Above: our team discussing artworks in our care Customers often… 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 »
Education & Training, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Conservation is a complex and challenging vocation that requires great artistic and scientific skill, this is why our team at Fine Art Restoration Company has always focused on the future of this prestigious career through our comprehensive conservation interns programme. Every year our studio invites conservation students and recent graduates to join us in our… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
As the most famous furniture designer of the 18th century and possibly ever since, Thomas Chippendale produced numerous designs reflecting the fashionable styles of the period. From grand rococo frills to strong neoclassical statements, it was Chippendale’s chairs that were of particular prominence, with their designs still being replicated today and originals being highly sought… 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 »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The longcase clock has been a popular feature in British homes since the late 17th century, becoming more affordable over the decades until no Victorian hallway was complete without one. These attractive antiques were both functional and decorative, serving as status symbols in middle and upper-class homes, often becoming a family heirloom due to their… 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 »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
The chest of drawers is one of the most essential pieces of furniture in any home, found in all interiors whether they have a preference for an ornate antique or a contemporary design. Also known as a bureau or dresser, cabinets which include stacks of drawers may be more vulnerable to damage than other household… 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 »
Contemporary Art, Guides and advice, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Sculptures & Installation Art, Specialist Items, Useful articles
City sculpture trails have become popular street art attractions across the United Kingdom and across the world. Whether this is a colourful cow or favourite animated character, unique interpretations bring interest in tourism and can raise awareness and funds for charities at auction following their exhibition. Above: city sculpture trail sculptures using a fibreglass elephant… Read more »
Contemporary Art, Guides and advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Over time many philosophers have asked the question: what is art? Is it found in the interpretation which exists between an object and the observer? Or is it nothing but the physical object itself? Does the importance of art come from the hand of the artist which has touched it, or is it something more?… Read more »
Guides and advice, Latest News, Sculptures & Installation Art, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Bronze sculptures have existed globally for centuries, with the earliest examples dating back to 2500 BC. From small artworks and figurines through to life size statues and oversized extravagant displays of talent, bronze is unique in its ability to take in the finest of details from a cast, whilst having such strength in their structure… Read more »
Collection Care, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Military collections in barracks and private ownership often consist of a wide range of materials from different eras, from the Napoleonic wars through to 21st century combat. Due to this, the conditions for display and signs of historic deterioration may vary, making collection care a task which requires many areas of expertise. Our multidisciplinary team… Read more »
