Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
The year 1603 marked the end of the Elizabethan era, making way for James I and the house of Stewart. The new century would be a troubled one with the upheaval of civil war, a plague epidemic and the great fire of London. However, it did not limit great artistic progress. The baroque period flourished… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
My name is Maya Sajnani and I am a graduating student at the University of St Andrews. I study art history, and I have a particular interest in medieval material culture in addition to English painting of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. My approach has always been interdisciplinary with a strong focus on… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
From the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII to the glory of Elizabeth I, artists working in England during the 16th century became experts at composing flattering images of wealthy patrons. This article will explore many of the famous names associated with the Tudor dynasty, as well as many who saw great political, social and royal upheaval… Read more »
Our team is experienced in providing support for the application of grants and heritage funding. We encourage the collaboration of foundations and charitable schemes that may help to alleviate the cost of conservation, making it an accessible pursuit for all artworks, interiors and decorative items of national and local importance. Above: two oil paintings before… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Winged figures have been a frequent feature in art from the ancient period to present day, adding a celestial presence to each and every composition. From the sanctity of the Christian archangel Gabriel to the child-like figure of cupid, these heavenly creatures have a wide range of associations. Above: a selection of artworks from different… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many still life paintings contain hidden meanings, whether this is in the symbolism of flowers or in the inclusion of a human skull. One of the most typical features of this genre is nature’s bounty displayed in an abundance of fresh produce. Although still life paintings appear at first glance to be composed as a… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Welcome to the latest edition of conservation curiosities, where we delve into some of the most unusual and unique objects that come into our studio. This week we are looking at Boulle work, a style of furniture that once flourished under the region of the Sun King, Louis XIV of France. Above: a detail from… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
When an artwork on paper meets water, it is often assumed that it is left with irreversible damage. However, if the response is swift and professional, much of this deterioration can be halted and reversed before the paper begins to decay. Above: moisture and water damaged artworks on paper, before and after restoration in our… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
As part of our disaster recovery service, we regularly remove and collect smoke and fire damaged paintings for restoration. These incidents can be anything from small isolated fires to full scale house fires, not only impacting the contents but the entire structure of the building. No matter the severity, this is often an emotional experience… Read more »
Sculpting the human form in a diminutive size is one of the earliest themes in art history, dating as far back as the neolithic period and the famous Venus of Willendorf. Since then, the style has evolved along with the materials made available to artists – from the terracotta grave companions in Tang dynasty China,… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Decoratively woven to produce a durable and attractive pattern, canework is a much admired feature of many antique chairs and sofas. Whilst historic rattan can survive hundreds of years in a good environment, many pieces are not so lucky and have faced various environmental challenges. Above: three canework chairs from different eras Broken and deteriorating… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
In the 16th century, a massive deposit of graphite was unearthed near Grey Knotts fell in Cumbria. Just a few miles from our studio in Carlisle, the discovery was an important step in the history of art. Tools for drawing and writing were soon manufactured, making England the leading graphite pencil producer for close to… Read more »
Frames, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Paintings that have been composed on a round surface may be referred to as ‘tondo’ – this circular form can be found in ancient art, though it was in the renaissance that it became a fashionable style. Above: three tondi by various artists including Jan van Goyen, Raphael and Fra Angelico / Fra Filippo Lippi… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Enamelling is an appealing feature of decorative ceramics, trinkets and snuff boxes, whether it is found glazed upon a white clock face or expertly applied in bright colours. Enamel is a versatile material, often used to create texture as well as forming unique patterns and finishes. Above: different forms of enamel decoration With time, this… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
One of the most admired decorative materials in the world is nacre, more commonly known as mother of pearl. This shining, rainbow-toned surface can be found in furniture, jewellery and mixed media artworks as far back as ancient Egypt, later flourishing as a commercial artisanal product in India. You will find mother of pearl inlaid into… Read more »
Welcome to the latest edition of our regional artists series. This week we are heading to Wales to explore the history and influence of Welsh artists. If you are interested in learning more about British artists, please see our previous articles on Cumbria, Scotland, Kent, Cornwall and The Cotswolds. Above: a watercolour landscape of Chepstow… Read more »
Welcome to our latest edition of Conservation Curiosities, where we detail some of the most unique artworks and items to visit our studio. This week we are looking into the history and restoration of samplers, an embroidered craft that is often passed down from generation to generation. Above: a selection of antique embroidery samplers As… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Whilst ukiyo-e flourished for centuries in a commercial Japanese market, the opening of world trade at the turn of the 20th century saw new audiences for traditional prints – a westernised movement that would become known as shin-hanga. Above: shin-hanga prints by Komori Soseki, Ito Sozan, Yoshikawa-Kenjiro Kanpô, Hiroshi Yoshida, Yamakawa Shuho, Ohara Koson and… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the paintings we care for have been composed by world-renowned artists, recognisable in their style and palette to an art connoisseur. Unfortunately only a few of these names are women, who have traditionally been excluded from the story of art. When a large landscape came to the attention of our conservation team, we… Read more »
Frames are not the only gilt items to benefit from professional care, our gold leaf experts work with a wide variety of antique and modern pieces. Applied by hand using centuries old techniques, gilding can be finished to a level that suits the historic appeal of an object or revived to its original grandeur. Above:… Read more »
