The artwork which we collect and the artwork which we receive over the course of our lives can hold precious memories and uphold the story of our family. When these paintings, ornaments and special objects become broken or begin to perish, we could find ourselves on the brink of losing them as a personal artefact.… Read more »
Artworks can go into storage for numerous reasons, whether this is short-term or long-term, due to house renovations, security, a change of display or shipping. Due to the high monetary and sentimental value of oil paintings, certain precautions need to be taken to ensure their safety during this precarious time. Although age can affect the… 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 »
When it comes to protecting artworks such as works on paper, works on silk and tapestries from damage, the most effective solution is to add glazing. The quality of glazing used can offer greater protection for the piece and assist in its long-term care. The addition of glass helps to protect artworks from airborne contaminants… Read more »
Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Useful articles
The restoration and conservation of artwork are essential for a plethora of reasons; from historical documentation, to sentimental value through to wealth management. Often, the necessity for restoration intervention is caused by circumstances that are of great emotional trauma to the owner of the artwork, such as water loss, fire or accidental damage. When cared… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The significance of homeware ceramics can sometimes be forgotten when they are sitting in a household cabinet. These nostalgic collections are often seen as heirlooms, with more sentimental importance than emphasis on monetary value. However, hidden amidst these domestic items can be highly collectible and rare pieces. Above: a selection of antique teapots from Asia… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Modern sensitivities towards the materials used in historic items may sometimes distract from their significance. This is often highlighted in the antique textiles industry with embellishments of real fur or whalebone lining found within corsets. However, the relic of a costume could not be discounted for its use of these elements, as they are important… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The insurance and restoration of memorabilia and collectibles is somewhat overlooked in the art world, even though some pieces match or even surpass the value which traditional antiques receive in an auction. Prices can rise depending on autographs, limited edition status, rarity or close proximity to iconic entertainment and celebrities, such was the case in… Read more »
There are various reasons as to why a painting may appear to be dull. In many cases, oil paintings are simply unvarnished or varnished with a matt varnish. This means that they do not have the same glowing finish and heightened saturation of those with a gloss layer. With more modern or contemporary paintings it is… Read more »
Like all of us, paintings age. And as they get older they begin to get a little worn and in need of a little extra care. Should we help them maintain their youthful good looks for longer or let them age gracefully? There are many reasons why we should look after our artwork, finding a… Read more »
Oil paintings naturally have cracks on their surface, but it is when these are significant, raised or disturbing the artwork itself that they can become problematic for the long term health of the painting. Why is my oil painting cracking? Cracks form for various reasons, whether it be through old age, lack of canvas preparation… Read more »
How do you protect artwork from sunlight? It depends on the type of artwork and how well this might withstand bright conditions. As a rule, direct sunlight should be avoided, but extra steps can be taken to avoid ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ultraviolet rays are responsible for damage to treasured paintings when they are… Read more »
Watercolour paintings are delicate and sensitive to many kinds of damage. They may seem beyond repair due to their fragility, but this is not true. Watercolour paintings can be restored in most cases by our experienced conservator. Watercolours can find themselves altered in a variety of ways, from discolouring over time and moisture causing brown… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
What are those brown spots on your watercolour or print? They are commonly referred to as ‘foxing’ patches on the paper, a reaction with moisture caused by mould spores. They may begin as a small and easily ignored blemish, but in time they will only spread and become worse now that they are present. Foxing… Read more »
Over recent months we have all had a lot of time to imagine new possibilities for blank walls, empty sideboards and open spaces. As our homes became both a workplace and sanctuary, what we surround ourselves was more important than ever before. The ambition of acquiring artwork and fine furniture became both a want and… 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 »
