Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
From pure white to earthy red, chalk comes in a variety of natural forms. As one of the earliest mediums found in the history of art, chalk can be more durable than expected when kept safely in the correct conditions. Above: examples of chalk drawings, sketches and drafts from various centuries Whilst the pigment may… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Museum collections often require the attention of a conservator, whether this is to provide routine maintenance or prepare items for longterm display. The Paisley Museum and Art Gallery reached out to our team for assistance with their historic collection of Syrian glass. Above: Amy working on one of Paisley Museum’s glass vessels – image copyright… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Following on from our previous article 101 Art History Facts we have 40 more art history facts, anecdotes and insights for you to explore. 1. According to Vasari, Michelangelo strongly disliked Raphael and Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo and Michelangelo were bitter rivals in the Florentine art market. Raphael was a new contender winning many of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team is celebrating Christmas with art historical insights, from the nativity scenes of the renaissance to the snowscapes of the impressionists. Below are 20 of our festive art history facts. Above: detail from Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters and Imaginary Castle by Christoffel van den Berghe, 1615-20 1. Albrecht Dürer’s Adoration of the Magi… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Welcome back to our conservation curiosities series where we look into some of the more unusual and interesting items that come into our studio. Today we are going to explore the history and care of the jardinière, a popular and practical antique that is much admired by collectors and gardeners around the world. Above: a… Read more »
Artists, Gilding, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
In the mid to late 18th century, London was a thriving market for interior designers. Wealthy patrons were seeking the most fashionable and distinguished decoration. This was answered by talented architects and craftsmen who could create entire schemes inclusive of furniture, murals and decorative objects. Above: our team working on a Robert Adam ceiling in… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
From printmaking to freehand sketches, ink has always played an important role. Whether it is applied in preliminary drawings or used as the final medium, it is found in many forms – each with their own unique colour and origin. Above: a variety of ink drawings from the renaissance to the 19th century This article… Read more »
Every year we reflect on the amazing projects our company has had the privilege to undertake. Our studio has been home to hundreds of items in 2023, from renaissance paintings to 21st century street art. We asked our conservators and office team for their favourite restorations of the year, their answers show just how diverse… Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
We are excited to announce two internship opportunities at our flagship studio in Summer 2024. Both positions offer free accommodation and a monthly stipend. Successful candidates will be based in the historic city of Carlisle, just a stone’s throw from the Lake District National Park. You will be supported by an expert team, who will… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
The respect and worship of ancestral heritage has been practiced in China for many centuries, resulting in the creation of portraiture of artistic and familial significance. Dating as far back as the Ming dynasty, these paintings on silk, paper and canvas are so detailed that they can provide historians with vital evidence of lineage, rank… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
As history progresses, the list of named artists working in England massively increases. You will see from our articles on artists of the 16th century and 17th century that by the 1690s there was a great leap in the number of names and their continued level of artistic output. Above: oil paintings and miniatures from… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
As one of the earliest mediums in western art history, marble has been a dominant influence on artists for centuries. From the classical sculptures of ancient Greece to the marble halls of Art Deco buildings, this versatile material is known for its semi-opaque surface and long-lasting vibrancy. Above: marble sculptures from ancient Greece, ancient Rome,… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Textiles, Useful articles
Every generation has been influenced by the unique toys and games of their childhood, but one piece has remained timeless for all. Dolls have been adored by their owners since ancient Rome, although their materials have changed over time – their enrichment has remained the same. As we grow older, these childhood companions may remain… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Tied with Chelsea as the first porcelain factory in England, Bow was famous for its industrious output and development of fine bone china. Inspired by the exported goods from Asia, which had been competition for British craftsmen since the 17th century, Bow set about creating its own designs as well as directly copying those from… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
When faces are immortalised in oil paint, watercolour, pencil and pastels, the artist captures a vital aspect of the sitter’s life – usually commemorating their military prowess, regal status or marital role. Childhood portraiture, by contrast, captures a sense of what is yet to come – making these charming artworks an insightful glimpse into ambitions… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
For the latest instalment of our regional artists series we head to North East England to explore those artists who have based their practices in the region, where influences span from the beauty of the Northumberland coastline, to the working class reality of industrialisation. Above: a watercolour view of Barnard Castle by Joseph Mallord William… Read more »
Gilding, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Our gilding experts come across many forms of gold leaf application. One of the most impressive varieties is known as ormolu – a thin layer of gold applied with mercury or electricity to cover a piece of metallic decoration. Above: a selection of ormolu antiques including a pocket watch, candlestick, relief mounts, sculptures and frames… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
The story of Wedgwood is not only one of great creative influence, but industrial ingenuity. In an era when the potteries of Great Britain had a rather unsophisticated production line, Josiah Wedgwood stepped forth to revolutionise and popularise an efficient yet highly artistic output of marketable earthenware and stoneware. Above: various items by Wedgwood including… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Wedgwood has been one of the most influential and popular ceramic brands since the mid 18th century. Today some of the most sought after designs can sell for upwards of £100,000 at auction and knowing how to determine their age and authenticity can help in securing insurance and sales. This guide will outline some of… Read more »
Collection Care, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Whilst old wallpaper might be a reason for many to renovate a room, older properties often have valuable and unique designs that benefit from professional conservation. If it is not already on display, antique wallpaper is often uncovered during an interior restoration. As tastes have changed, decorative elements are often hidden by new owners, who… Read more »
