Frames, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
Some frames may cause damage to the paper they should be protecting, whether this is a watercolour, print, photograph or document. Frame damage is caused by high levels of acidity found in mounts, backing boards and adhesives, causing discolouration and deterioration. This may be found in cheaper frames or older ones which may have been… Read more »
Paper artworks such as watercolours, prints, photographs, posters and documents can be protected from harm with simple methods. This includes the correct atmosphere, protective non-acidic framing, and avoiding brightly lit areas that may have caused fading. Above: an antique engraving which has been affected by foxing, before and after restoration by our paper conservator Find… Read more »
A watercolour painting is one of the most sensitive genres of artwork, these delicate landscapes and portraits require professional conservation treatments following damage to ensure their safety. Above: a watercolour before and after restoration due to foxing and acidic discolouration Watercolours can face drastic deterioration from humidity levels, sunlight exposure, accidents and household disasters such… Read more »
Torn watercolours can be professionally restored with amazing results. Find out more in the video below featuring our ICON accredited paper conservator: How can we help? If you have a watercolour, print, document, letter, photograph, or any other item which has been affected by tears or deterioration, please reach out to our helpful team who… Read more »
Watercolours can be sensitively washed to remove contaminants from acidic framing, mould and foxing. Find out more in our video below, where our ICON accredited paper conservator shows you the process of washing and drying a delicate work on paper: Get in touch with our team If you have any concerns about a paper artwork… Read more »
It is always important to have a work on paper, such as watercolour, print, engraving or document, professionally assessed for hidden damage. Find out more in our video below: Get in touch with our team If you have any concerns about a paper artwork or document in your care, please contact our team for swift… Read more »
The painting by the Renaissance master Raphael is becoming more and more damaged due to the humidity in the gallery where it’s on display in Italy. This is due to the failure to repair a faulty air-conditioning unit. Due to the humidity and the temperatures, these paintings have been kept at, the paintings have begun… Read more »
About 20 firefighters battled the blaze at Ackergill Tower in Caithness and averted a “near catastrophe” by preventing it from spreading to the main building. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at the grade A-listed building. A member of the public alerted the fire service after smoke was seen coming… Read more »
If you are a collector of watercolour paintings or works on paper, you may be familiar with the appearance of reddish brown spots on your painting, commonly known as ‘foxing’. These rusty looking patches can mar the appeal of your painting, and if left untreated can cause serious damage to an already delicate artwork. At… Read more »
How to remove mould from a watercolour Ideally, mould on your painting should be caught early to avoid spreading. Initial indications of mould can be identified in the appearance of a fine white fluff which forms furry patches which can spread quickly, becoming increasingly problematic for your watercolour. Mould thrives in damp conditions and recommendations… Read more »
Despite extensive damages, art on paper restoration and conservation can significantly improve the aesthetic and structural integrity of your watercolour and treatment can be carried out by trained professionals. How to clean your watercolour Accidents do happen and may result in stains on your watercolour. Maintaining a clean environment and reducing risks of spillage is… Read more »
Watercolour paintings are one of the most sensitive forms of art, they can be disturbed easily by their environment as well as accidental tears and creases. There are many steps you can take to ensure the protection of your watercolour going forwards, including choosing the correct framing materials and arranging for appropriate conservation treatments to… Read more »
Like many works on paper, watercolours are very sensitive to a multitude of environmental changes and accidental damages. Due to their delicate materials, watercolour paintings require specialist care when it comes to their preservation, whether they require a full restoration or protective framing. This article will cover some of the most frequent reasons for watercolour… Read more »
Occasionally, when we receive a painting into the studio, the medium is revealed to be different to what our client believed it to be. One of the most common culprits of this case of mistaken identity is the oleograph. Defined as ‘a print textured to resemble an oil painting’, the process of creating an oleograph… Read more »
The conservation and restoration of oil paintings is a complex practice which incorporates a wide range of treatments responding to the multiple issues that may have caused damages to your painting. The heterogeneous layer structure which constructs the easel painting presents a variety of different materials increasing the complexity of treatment particularly due to the… Read more »
Painting restoration refers to a number of different treatments you can have on your painting to improve its aesthetics. These include: The removal of surface dirt, such as dust, soot and smoke The removal and replacement of aged, yellowed or discoloured varnish The replacement of missing sections of paint The repair of painting damage, such… Read more »
Preventative measures can be taken to contribute to the safety and stability of your painting. Safe practice includes regulating environmental factors and reducing the risks of mechanical damages. Dusty and dirty environments can cause damages to the painting, either by settling on the surface (and increasing acidity) or attracting further microbiological activity. Handling your painting… Read more »
According to Sotheby’s Institute of Art, only 5% of the world’s artworks will survive the next 100 years. This seems a disproportionately small number taking into account all the artworks around the world, however given the requirements of conservation and proper care, it becomes possible that artwork may face quicker destabilisation, damage and loss of… Read more »
On Thursday 28th May a lock of hair belonging to the master composer Mozart went up for auction at Sotheby’s. Encased in a gilt locket, Sotheby’s valued the piece of hair dating back to 1791 at between £10,000 and £12,000. The lock of hair was originally owned by Mozart’s widow, Constanze. Locks of hair were… Read more »
As any art collector is aware, the problem of infestations in artwork can result in untold damage, from both an aesthetic and financial perspective. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has come up with a unique solution to rid itself of their unwanted guests. The 1.2 million visitors who come through the museum’s doors… Read more »
