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 »
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 »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Textiles, Useful articles
Every generation has been influenced by the unique toys and games of their childhood, but one piece has remained timeless for all. Dolls have been adored by their owners since ancient Rome, although their materials have changed over time – their enrichment has remained the same. As we grow older, these childhood companions may remain… 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 »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Welcome to our conservation curiosity series, this week we are looking into the world of miniature Japanese sculptures known as netsuke. These unassuming figurines have been known to fetch six figures at auction, but are not often recognised by the untrained eye. Above: a selection of antique netsuke carved in ivory, wood and lacquer Typically… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The collection of artwork housed by a church, abbey or cathedral can be diverse in both age and medium. Some of the most contrasting pieces are statues, from mediaeval wooden carvings to modern fibreglass figures. Above: from left to right, a stone apostle from 1440-50, ‘The Miracle of the Palm Tree’ from 1490-1510, Virgin and… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Miniatures, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Our conservation curiosities series will give you a quick insight into some of the most unusual and unique pieces you’ll come across in auction rooms and antique shops around the world. This week we are looking at snuff boxes and the miniature artworks that adorn them. What is a snuff box? Snuff was a smokeless… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
This is our new series giving you a quick insight into some of the most unusual and unique pieces you may come across in auction rooms and antique shops around the world. We will look into how these precious pieces can be sensitively restored without harming their historic value. This article will look into the… 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 »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Ceramic tiles have been a part of art history for thousands of years, whether this is in the form of a mosaic or individual pieces. Over time, tiles may become broken, cracked or loose, resulting in a disturbed visual appearance in need of professional care to avoid further loss. This article will explore the materials… Read more »
Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Tin-glazing is a popular pottery technique that is seen in many European ceramics such as Maiolica, Delftware and Faience. Introduced by the Moors as Hispano-Moresque ware, it was not until the 15th century that tin-glazed earthenware took hold as one of the leading forms of decorative art in the western world. It is this renaissance… Read more »
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 »
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 »
