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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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, 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 »
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 »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
Watercolour paintings are one of the most frequent genres of art to visit our studio. Their materials and display location are often the cause of this, with many antique and modern pieces succumbing to moisture, foxing and discolouration over a long period of time. But what can be done to prevent these issues? And how… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Our studio cares for a wide range of artworks, including traditional prints in monochrome and colour. Lithographs are popular as both an antique and contemporary medium, from Eugene Delacroix in the 1820s to David Hockney in the 1970s. Their value as a limited edition or rare print may be substantial, with some lithographs reaching six… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Our team is often asked whether a signature can be restored or made to stand out further, this answer to this is one of conservation ethics. The tampering of an artist’s name or an autograph can in fact de-value an artwork or item, as it alters the integrity and genuine nature of the work. However,… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Both historic and contemporary posters may require conservation treatments to ensure their stability and safe preservation. Paper is a notoriously fragile material that can be damaged in numerous ways, from mould growth to brittle deterioration. One of the most frequently requested and required conservation treatments is the professional lining of posters, strengthening and protecting them… Read more »
Digital Restoration, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Photography, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Photographs can be vitally important as both personal and historical artefacts, capturing the faces of loved ones and ancestors as well as famous figures and significant events over the course of the 20th century. However, this modern medium does not always face the test of time well and may encounter devastating damage that cannot always… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
Botanical illustrations recording natural history are a popular and important art form, with original plates and reprints of historic watercolours used for both scientific and decorative purposes. These works on paper can often be fragile due to their medium and age, requiring specific atmospheric conditions, specialist framing and professional conservation treatments to ensure their longevity. … Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Monochrome engravings, etchings, mezzotints and aquatints require specialist care and attention due to their high value and historic significance. With some antique engravings dating as far back as the 15th century, these delicate works on paper may have been stored and displayed in a variety of challenging environmental conditions. Now hundreds of years old, they… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Of the many unusual artworks we care for at Fine Art Restoration Company, some of the most interesting are those with a connection to an obscure yet fascinating artist. Our team enjoy looking into the history of the artworks they help to preserve and would like to share with you one of their favourites to… Read more »
Artists, Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Andy Warhol is one of the most recognisable artists in the world. His influence in the pop art movement of the 1960s is seen as a groundbreaking moment in art history. His famous Marilyn Monroe diptych and series of Campbell soup tins have been reproduced millions of times in various mediums. These iconic artworks celebrate… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
