What would you do if your precious ceramic item was broken into many pieces? That was a question faced by one of our recent clients when a vintage cigar ashtray was accidentally damaged. Instead of being one complete intact ashtray as it had been moments earlier, it was now broken into 10 jagged pieces. Quite… Read more »
Last week, we received an urgent email from one of our clients. Their painting had been stored in a cardboard box, waiting to be unpacked when an accident left flooding in their home. The cardboard understandably did nothing to protect the artworks, and our client was very distressed. So what should you do if your… Read more »
We are privileged to receive many unusual and rare objects into the studio every month. When Mr Brown contacted us, he enquired into restoring an item that we had never seen before in the studio; a unique 19th century chessboard he had been given as a gift. Our conservators have experience in restoring a variety… Read more »
When an oil painting becomes water damaged, its appearance can change dramatically. This was especially true for Mrs Pownall’s family painting after it was damaged by a flood through a ceiling, while being stored under a bed. Before the water damage occurred, there was some discolouration on the sitter’s face, which can most likely be… Read more »
One of the biggest causes of restoration is due to damage in transit. When special items are entrusted to transport companies to be safely delivered it is frustrating when instead they arrive needing repair. For particularly fragile ceramics, safe handling for long journeys is particularly important. For Mr Grisdale, his two ceramic ornaments were damaged… Read more »
Every painting has a history, from an artwork’s origins to its current condition, paintings are often passed between art collectors and family members. Understandably, some paintings have a more turbulent conservation history than others. There can be clear signs of what that history has been and whether a painting has ever undergone past restoration. Such… Read more »
When Mr Stoddart’s painting first arrived in the studio, our conservators knew that something very special could be achieved through restoration. The painting was inherited from Mr Stoddart’s father in law and had been hanging for some time on the wall above an open fire. Due to the condition of the painting when it arrived,… Read more »
A very special part of conservation is being able to learn more about the history and provenance of each piece that comes into the studio. For one map that we recently received, we were privileged to learn more about its fascinating place in history, dating back to the Second World War when the map was… Read more »
When the need for restoration of ceramic items arises, the cause can most often be attributed to physical and environmental hazards. The fragile nature of ceramics means that if they are mishandled, incorrectly transported, dropped or knocked, they will likely gain some form of damage. Whether a ceramic item has been chipped, cracked in two… Read more »
A short time ago, we restored an oil painting that came into the studio with significant water damage. While our clients were able to disclose that water had affected the painting, for other oil paintings, the telltale signs of damage can be less easy to link to water ingress. If you have recently inherited a… Read more »
When Mr Peers’ painting arrived in the studio, our conservators immediately realised the potential restoration had to return the artwork to its original stately manner. At one and a half metres by one metre, the artwork is an imposing portrait of one of Mr Peers’ ancestors, a merchant from London. Typical of the Kneller portrait… Read more »
The primary purpose of any picture frame is to provide comprehensive support and stability to an artwork. Therefore, if an artwork is susceptible to damage, it is often the frame that will first bear the brunt of the injury. It is not unusual for an enquiry to come into the studio for a frame that… Read more »
Alongside our work restoring traditional easel paintings, we regularly repair and treat ceramic items. Whether a statue has been snapped or a plate has smashed into many pieces, our specialist conservators can take a look and provide our recommendations and advice. This is just what happened when we received an enquiry through for a unique… Read more »
Every antique frame we restore in the studio has distinctive decoration. They are each unique and have ornate features and complex surfaces. When a frame is damaged, it is a natural assumption to believe that broken or missing decoration can’t be replaced. We regularly re-mould such areas that have been lost. The objective in doing… Read more »
When a painting is awaiting collection to be restored, it is understandably tempting for art owners to try and rectify the damage at home. For one oil painting that recently came into the studio, the owner had created a temporary solution to lessen the appearance of two tears in the canvas. The application of strips… Read more »
When an oil painting becomes water damaged, deterioration is instant. For an 19th century oil painting we have just completed restoring, the consequences of the water infiltration were extensive and immediately evident. In this case, water has touched the painting at some point over the years, and additional damage has required the need for restoration.… Read more »
Silverfish are a common pest capable of damaging paper artworks and documents. They can frequently be found in households around the United Kingdom. Above: paper which has been partially eaten by pests Learn more about silverfish from our ICON accredited paper conservator, including the ways in which this type of damage can be prevented and… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
