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 »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Restoration stories, Useful articles
From walls filled with oil paintings to cabinets full of porcelain, many of our clients have extensive and diverse collections. For an enthusiastic connoisseur of art and antiques, the value of each item is often highly personal rather than simply monetary. Above: a selection of Kähler vases from our client This was the case with… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
As well as producing marvellous still life bouquets, symbolic landscapes and grand portraits, the Dutch Golden Age saw the introduction of the genre painting. With an emphasis on realism and morality, these unique artworks can offer us a visual insight into the lives of patrons and peasants of the 17th century and beyond. Above: a… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the oil paintings we come across in our studio are well-known scenes from some of Europe’s most historic towns and cities. For their current owner, they may inspire nostalgia for a favourite place, which is not unlike the original reason for their creation. Whilst we may think of souvenirs today as being fairly… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Useful articles
Long before the advent of television and the everyday inclusion of a sofa in every living room, these large and richly designed chairs were exclusively owned by a privileged few. As centuries went by, the obtainability of furniture to recline upon (and the luxury to do so) became evermore accessible and by the 1950s, no… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
The distinctive style of Japanese lacquerware can be found on a wide variety of antiques, from cabinets and tables to clothing accessories. Whether the item is authentic or inspired by Edo patterns, many lacquer antiques will require professional restoration due to their sensitive surface and historic materials. Above: a selection of lacquer antiques including an… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Restoration stories, Useful articles
The age of a painting can often be part of its appeal, allowing us to own part of history and appreciate the ever evolving ideas of art. Whilst many antique paintings may seem to portray a rather straightforward image or story, beneath the surface there are often complex messages and allegories to be found. Similarly,… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Sculptures & Installation Art, Useful articles
This week’s conservation curiosity are sculptural antique busts. This classical form of portraiture has allowed famous faces from Julius Caesar to Queen Victoria to be recorded in three-dimensional splendour. Above: a selection of antique busts including a terracotta Bacchante by Rodin, an early 16th century Julius Caesar, a marble bust by Augustin Pajou, Denis Diderot… Read more »
Due to its easily sculpted and versatile nature, alabaster has been used as a decorative material for thousands of years. Utilised by the ancient Egyptians and designers of the Art Deco period, you may find it in the form of a Pharaoh’s sarcophagus or an early 20th century lamp. Above: a selection of alabaster items… Read more »
Some of the most valuable antiques in the world are made of Chinese porcelain. This esteem and artistic tradition is centuries old, with the first imports coming to Europe in the 17th century as highly sought after items for royalty and aristocracy. Today, we still recognise this late Ming period as being an important era… Read more »
