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Case Studies, Guides and advice, Useful articles, Watercolour
When a watercolour has foxing, looking back at the before and after photographs is always fascinating to see the difference we’ve achieved from restoration. Even when a watercolour is completely covered in marks, there is always something that can be done. You’d be forgiven for thinking when you see the before photos below that these… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and advice, Useful articles, Watercolour
Alongside foxing and tears, acid-staining is another very common issue for works-on-paper. The problem stems from when acidic and inappropriate backing materials have been used by the artist or framer, and subsequently pollutants have leached out into the artwork. Unsuitable materials will have been used for paintings of a certain age when the effects of acid damage… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions, Guides and advice, Useful articles, Watercolour
Imagine if your painting was missing a key component – perhaps a corner of the canvas was missing or there was a hole in the middle. It would take away from the enjoyment of the piece if a part of the artwork was no longer there. In such instances, the painting may have suffered from… Read more »
Recently a client approached us with a collection of 39 etchings that he had great concern over. Not only did the individual etchings suffer from foxing and acidic contamination, but they were also being contained within two very old and frail portfolios that were barely intact. The below photograph shows one of the portfolio cloth… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions, Guides and advice, How to ..., Oil Painting, Useful articles, Watercolour
An interesting question we are often asked is ‘Which paintings are the largest and most complex you have restored?’. When we receive a 7ft by 3ft painting into the studio with tears and in need of lining, it’s an exciting challenge for all of our team. But the other end of the scale can be… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions, Guides and advice, How to ..., Oil Painting, Useful articles, Watercolour
For many art collectors, the worst-case scenario for the condition of their artworks would be if they were damaged through water, fire or a bad accident. Unfortunately, such incidents do happen and requires the need for artworks to be removed from the scene promptly and safely. We are always able to suitably package such items… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions, Guides and advice, How to ..., Useful articles, Watercolour
It is always a fascinating source of interest for our clients and art collectors to see how we repair watercolours and works-on-paper. It is understandable to assume there is little or nothing that can be done to fix such fragile items. Although these are naturally delicate items, repairs are still possible and very successful. So… Read more »
Guides and advice, Oil Painting, Useful articles, Watercolour
When artwork arrives at our studio to be cleaned or restored, we are often asked about valuations and what an artwork may be worth. Whether a collection has been inherited or acquired at auction, gaining an idea of value is an understandable consideration for many private collectors. Valuations can help with: insurance investment in restoration… Read more »
If you’ve ever wondered if there is anything that can be done to restore watercolours and works-on-paper, you certainly aren’t alone. It is an understandable concern to wonder whether these artworks are too fragile and thin to have work undertaken on them, but with the right care and appropriate treatments, works-on-paper can be restored just… Read more »
Our latest case study explores the restoration of a mid 19th century watercolour seascape, one of a pair and an original Luigi Renault of the Consul Kestner schooner. Our client came to us rather concerned and discouraged after an antique expert concluded that it would be difficult to treat the painting. The issue with our… 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 »
Frequently Asked Questions, Guides and advice, Oil Painting, Useful articles, Watercolour
Alongside traditional easel painting conservation, we offer a comprehensive restoration service for a wide range of artworks, antique furniture, frames, ceramics and unique curios. The breadth of conservation work that we carry out in the studio may surprise you. If you have an item in need of restoration not listed below, get in touch and… Read more »
Now another year has come to an end, we’ve taken some time to reflect and look back over some interesting – and unique – restoration projects that we completed in 2018. From easel paintings to clay elephants to model aircraft – the breadth of conservation work that we carry out in the studio may surprise… Read more »
Guides and advice, How to ..., Oil Painting, Useful articles, Watercolour
How to protect paintings from smoke and fire damage As part of our disaster recovery services, we regularly receive fire and smoke damage paintings into the studio. A proportion of these paintings have sadly been damaged in house fires, in circumstances beyond the owner’s control. For many other oil paintings and works on paper that… 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 your 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 »
How do I mount and frame my watercolour? The selection of mount and framing can have a significant impact on the aesthetic of your watercolour however improper framing can also have a highly detrimental effect in the long term stability of your piece. Common issues the conservator faces with regards to paper conservation are associated… Read more »
Creases may be caused by accidental damage or improper storage. Treatment may include “drumming” on to Japanese paper to flatten the paper. Undulations, effectively bumps and bulges in the painting, may be caused by raised humidity and due to the hygroscopic properties of paper (water absorbent), controlling the humidity can help prevent the initial structural… Read more »
Watercolour paintings and works on paper are inherently fragile items. The challenges they face can be therefore quite different to more robust oil paintings on canvas and panel. There is, however, always a solution to the problems that they face. Whether a watercolour has foxing, or a map is torn, professional conservation can rectify these… Read more »
