How do I hang and light these watercolours?

Watercolour pigments are sensitive to strong sunlight and can fade if placed in direct illumination. Hang them on interior walls away from bright windows and damp areas to protect the paper and frame. Utilising picture lights with low heat output or placing them in shaded spots ensures the pigments remain stable over time.

Are these paintings usually signed?

Many nineteenth-century works bear artist signatures, monograms or contemporary inscriptions on the front or reverse of the paper. Documentation such as dates and titles often appears on the mount or framing. Unsigned pieces frequently belong to the broader English School or regional traditions where attribution relies on style and subject matter.

What framing is appropriate for them?

Period frames made of wood, giltwood or rosewood are typical for nineteenth-century watercolours. These frames often incorporate glass to shield the paper from dust and atmospheric moisture. Retaining the original framing helps maintain the historical context and aesthetic balance of the artwork.

How do I distinguish a watercolour from an oil painting?

Watercolours are painted on paper using water-soluble mediums and are invariably displayed behind glass to protect the delicate surface. Oil paintings utilise thick oil-based pigments applied to canvas or wood panels and do not require glass. Examining the surface with a magnifier reveals the matte texture of paper and pigment rather than the raised brushstrokes of oil.