How do I date a child painting?

Dating relies on costume details, hairstyles, and the specific framing materials used during the period. Stylistic markers such as Regency waistlines or Victorian decorative elements offer reliable chronological clues. Signatures, exhibition labels on the reverse, and stretcher construction provide additional evidence to narrow down the decade of production.

What is naive folk art?

Naive folk art refers to pieces created outside formal academic training, often by regional portraitists or family members. These works are characterised by flat perspectives and direct charm rather than anatomical precision. Collectors prize them for their honesty and the unvarnished view they provide of historical domestic life.

How should I care for an old oil painting?

Oil paintings require stable environmental conditions away from direct sunlight and dramatic humidity changes. Keep the canvas or panel in a well-ventilated room to prevent warping and paint cracking. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using liquid cleaners or commercial polishes on the paint or frame.

Why do some watercolours fade?

Early watercolours used organic pigments that are sensitive to ultraviolet light and atmospheric pollutants. Prolonged exposure to direct daylight causes these delicate colours to wash out over time. Displaying works behind UV-filtering glass and away from sunny windows helps preserve the original tonal range.