Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with precious metals, enhancing and elevating the importance of the damaged areas rather than hiding them. This deeply philosophical approach to restoration has a place in our studio as a time-honoured tradition, meaning that as well as conservation methods, our experts can also perform kintsugi upon… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
In churches, manor houses and museums across the United Kingdom you may come across heraldic paintings with an antiquated yet fascinating purpose. Often ignored or simply blending in with the backdrop of a historic setting, funerary hatchments once served an important role in the mourning and remembrance of dead noblemen and women. The symbolism of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Our clients always want to discover more about the history of their painting, whether this is through technical analysis or the uncovering of an artist’s signature during restoration. Whilst some artworks have a title or inscription on their frame, many historic portraits will list the title and status of their sitter on the canvas itself. … Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Fine Art Restoration Company is honoured to host a Modular Cleaning Programme Workshop led by Chris Stavroudis during the week of 19th – 23th September 2022. Limited tickets are available here at an early bird price of £650 until 22nd July. The workshop will take place in the heart of Cumbria at our Carlisle studio,… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Throughout history beds have been a vital piece of family furniture, often becoming artefacts of great importance due to their insight into how our ancestors lived. Today, many antique beds find their way back into modern homes due to their visual appeal or status as an heirloom. As functional items, historic beds often require routine… Read more »
Frames, Gilding, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Decorative antique mirrors are a statement piece for modern interiors, reminiscent of the baroque and rococo periods and historic grandeur. From the swirling ribbons of Chippendale designs to the natural curves of Art Nouveau, gilded frames can be highly valuable and much sought after depending on their provenance and visual appeal. The historic nature of… 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 »
Artists, Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Chiaroscuro (noun) the use of areas of light and dark in an artwork to create dimension One of the most effective and technical uses of colour in oil painting is known as chiaroscuro. This illuminating technique allows the artist to portray a sense of realism within their canvas, often focusing on a subject that allows… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Writing desks are often a much-admired antique, conjuring memories of romantic letter writing and the handwritten words of famous authors, politicians and royalty. These historic pieces of furniture may have clear signs of a practical past, such as a well-used ink well and abraded edges, as well as pieces of perishing leather and felt or… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Due to the ability to turn inexpensive minerals into highly valuable objects, early porcelain was seen as white gold. Today the value of these ceramics, especially early and rare examples, can reach phenomenal prices at auction. Meissen is the leading name in this area of the art market, with rococo figurines and decorative objects reflective… 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 »
Collection Care, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
During our conservation work throughout the United Kingdom, we often find ourselves in ecclesiastical settings such as historic churches and abbeys. The collections of art and items residing in these centuries-old establishments may be suffering in their own old age, as well as facing dangers from their years spent in candle-lit, similarly antique atmospheres. Our… Read more »
Collection Care, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team cares for a great multitude of items and artworks, including paintings, ceramics, furniture, paper, textiles, and memorabilia. This means that we frequently have contact with private clients and collectors across the United Kingdom with diverse and specialist items, as well as traditional pieces. Above: our team discussing artworks in our care Customers often… Read more »
Artists, Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Whilst older artworks may face age-related vulnerabilities, their painterly style – that is the purposeful view of brushstrokes or impasto – can often hide a great array of old damages and alternations for centuries. By contrast, modern photorealistic paintings rely so heavily on their clear and smooth visual impact that even the slightest stain, dent… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
From a bright day in the lake district to the clouded Scottish highlands, British landscape paintings can be diverse in their visual tone, often capturing idyllic conditions that inspire the imagination or memories of home. This precise and often clear style makes any distraction – such as tears, scratches, stains or overall discolouration – a… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
As one of the most attractive parts of the English countryside, the Cotswolds region has inspired many creative minds over the centuries – this is why it is our next instalment of regional art history, where we look into the many famous Cotswolds artists and craftspeople who have called this area their home or taken… Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Conservation is a complex and challenging vocation that requires great artistic and scientific skill, this is why our team at Fine Art Restoration Company has always focused on the future of this prestigious career through our comprehensive conservation interns programme. Every year our studio invites conservation students and recent graduates to join us in our… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
As the most famous furniture designer of the 18th century and possibly ever since, Thomas Chippendale produced numerous designs reflecting the fashionable styles of the period. From grand rococo frills to strong neoclassical statements, it was Chippendale’s chairs that were of particular prominence, with their designs still being replicated today and originals being highly sought… 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 »
Antique Furniture, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The longcase clock has been a popular feature in British homes since the late 17th century, becoming more affordable over the decades until no Victorian hallway was complete without one. These attractive antiques were both functional and decorative, serving as status symbols in middle and upper-class homes, often becoming a family heirloom due to their… Read more »
