Masonic tracing board restoration: protecting and preserving Freemason art

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 »

City sculpture trail restoration: bringing life back to unique street art

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 »

Bronze sculpture restoration: history, craftsmanship & conservation care

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 »

Post-war furniture revival: mid century modern care & period appropriate restoration

Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Specialist Items, Upholstery, Useful articles

Mid century 1950’s modern furniture has simplicity and durability at the core of its design, making it both an ideal choice for a comfortable home and a lifelong investment. This period of furniture can be dated back to the post-war era, gaining major influence in the 1950s and 1960s across the western world, with particularly… Read more »

Caring for metal antiques and sculptures

Guides and Advice, Latest News, Sculptures & Installation Art, Specialist Items, Useful articles

Antique and contemporary artworks and objects may require specialist care if they feature metallic areas, or if they are entirely made from this material. Metals may tarnish and degrade if they face accidental or environmental damage, much of which can be avoided with the correct atmosphere and preservation techniques.  This antique metal restoration and care… Read more »

Trinket boxes and treasure chests: restoring decorative receptacles

Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles

Decorative boxes are often of great sentimental value, passed down as heirlooms or given as gifts. Many will protect precious items, serving as jewelry or memory boxes, or may themselves be of great value in the antiques market.  An antique box which is smaller than a traditional chest is often known as a casket. These… Read more »

Waxwork wonders: restoring and preserving unique wax sculptures

Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Sculptures & Installation Art, Specialist Items, Useful articles

Creating an artwork from wax has been practiced for thousands of years, from the casting of pieces in moulds, to relief portraits carved by hand. These unique wax sculptures often have an interesting history or connections to famous figures, but their material makes them vulnerable to deterioration if they are not looked after with diligent… Read more »

Banksy on paper: protecting contemporary prints

Artists, Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper

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 »

Cinema memorabilia rescue: how to save damaged posters and lobby cards

Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Works On Paper

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 »

Japanese woodblock conservation: specialist methods for distinctive prints

Artists, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Works On Paper

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. Above: a detail from… Read more »

Photography restoration: protecting and reviving moments from the past

Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper

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 »

The history and restoration of Chinese panel art

Case Studies, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper

Our paper conservator recently restored a pair of Chinese panels. The illustrations featured a busy scene of everyday life at a grand house and the countryside beyond. This article will share the rich history of these beautiful works on paper as well as exploring their delicate restoration process. What is Chinese panel art? The history… Read more »