What subjects are common in 19th century British paintings?

Artists focused heavily on romantic landscapes, rural village scenes, coastal harbours, and domestic portraiture. Sporting art and maritime vessels also appear regularly across the period. Many compositions reflect contemporary interests in British topography, agricultural life, and historical narratives.

How can I tell a watercolour from an oil painting?

Oil paintings utilise opaque pigments on stretched canvas or wooden panels, giving a textured and reflective surface. Watercolours use transparent washes on paper and require protection under glass. Watercolours often display the texture of the underlying paper sheet, whereas oils show the weave of the canvas.

How do I care for antique watercolours?

Watercolours on paper are sensitive to direct sunlight and high humidity, which can cause fading and paper discolouration. They should be displayed away from direct sunbeams. Glazing with UV-filtering glass helps protect the pigments from environmental degradation over time.