Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Fine dining often calls for a luxurious table setting. One of the most historic features of this custom is the charger plate; a decorative base for the practical plates and bowls to sit upon. As well as forming a charming display, chargers have also been produced as ceramic art in their own right for many… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
In the mid 17th century, tea drinking was popularised in England by Catherine of Braganza and the court of Charles II. The high expense and exclusivity of tea leaves made them a product worth keeping in grand style. Whilst original tea caddies were practical metal and wooden vessels, they were formed in elegant porcelain by the… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles, Watercolour, Works On Paper
Dating back hundreds of years, gouache is often seen as a more opaque alternative to watercolours. The thicker density allows for a bright and robust appearance, leading artists to infuse all manner of compositions with white gouache highlights, as well as creating work with gouache as the primary medium. Above: a selection of artwork from… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Whether it is made of fine porcelain or rough terracotta, a vase is often a centrepiece when it comes to ceramic art. These decorative and functional features of our home can hold extreme sentimental or monetary value, causing distress when damage occurs. Luckily, the restoration of ceramic vases by our conservator is carried out at… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Animal forms have influenced visual cultures for thousands of years. Whether they are composed in paint, porcelain, textiles or ink, these auspicious creatures can provide significant symbolic influence through their legend, allegory and name. In Chinese art, animals are often a central part of the composition due to their societal connotations and duel linguistic meaning. … Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The sentimental nature of childhood heirlooms makes them a popular guest in our studio. Whether it is a treasured doll or teddy bear, our conservators and experts work together to achieve a professional and stable result. As we primarily use conservation treatments and techniques, soft toy restoration ensures treasured playmates return to their owners safe… Read more »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Gilding, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Some of the most unusual items to enter our conservation studio are in the form of Fabergé eggs. These highly valuable antiques often present our conservators with a complex challenge due to their various materials and finely crafted designs. This article will look into a favourite collectible of the Russian Tsars, one that encouraged such an… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
In terms of art history, panels are often significantly antique – this material being a typical precursor to the use of a stretched canvas. In some artistic cultures the use of a wooden base became traditional, especially due to being easily obtainable outside of academic circles in later centuries. Above: Christ Bearing the Cross by… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Thursday 6th June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of Allied Forces conducting the largest seaborne invasion in history. Our paper conservator recently had the honour of stabilising a teleprinter communication of the D-Day plans, preserving valuable information and increasing the longevity of what was otherwise an incredibly fragile document. The Normandy landings, more commonly referred… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Our team is often called out to specialist projects that require treatment on site. This is sometimes because an artwork forms part of a building or is too large to be removed. In the case of the Army and Navy Club, it was due to eight full length portraits being framed securely within the walls.… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
When researching the provenance of a painting, the artist’s signature is important, but it is not always the only clue. Gaining further insight into where a painting has been after its creation, through whose hands it has passed, or in front of whose eyes, can help us to build a picture of its history and… Read more »
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 »
Case Studies, Ceramics, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Museum collections often require the attention of a conservator, whether this is to provide routine maintenance or prepare items for longterm display. The Paisley Museum and Art Gallery reached out to our team for assistance with their historic collection of Syrian glass. Above: Amy working on one of Paisley Museum’s glass vessels – image copyright… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Following on from our previous article 101 Art History Facts we have 40 more art history facts, anecdotes and insights for you to explore. 1. According to Vasari, Michelangelo strongly disliked Raphael and Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo and Michelangelo were bitter rivals in the Florentine art market. Raphael was a new contender winning many of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Our team is celebrating Christmas with art historical insights, from the nativity scenes of the renaissance to the snowscapes of the impressionists. Below are 20 of our festive art history facts. Above: detail from Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters and Imaginary Castle by Christoffel van den Berghe, 1615-20 1. Albrecht Dürer’s Adoration of the Magi… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Useful articles
Welcome back to our conservation curiosities series where we look into some of the more unusual and interesting items that come into our studio. Today we are going to explore the history and care of the jardinière, a popular and practical antique that is much admired by collectors and gardeners around the world Above: a… Read more »
Artists, Gilding, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Murals & Street Art, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
In the mid to late 18th century, London was a thriving market for interior designers. Wealthy patrons were seeking the most fashionable and distinguished decoration. This was answered by talented architects and craftsmen who could create entire schemes inclusive of furniture, murals and decorative objects. Above: our team working on a Robert Adam ceiling in… 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 »
Every year we reflect on the amazing projects our company has had the privilege to undertake. Our studio has been home to hundreds of items in 2023, from renaissance paintings to 21st century street art. We asked our conservators and office team for their favourite restorations of the year, their answers show just how diverse… Read more »
Education & Training, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Useful articles
We are excited to announce two internship opportunities at our flagship studio in Summer 2024. Both positions offer free accommodation and a monthly stipend. Successful candidates will be based in the historic city of Carlisle, just a stone’s throw from the Lake District National Park. You will be supported by an expert team, who will… Read more »
