How were these panels used originally?

Historical panels served as decorative wall linings within timber-framed houses, insulation against cold stone walls, or structural components of large storage chests and altarpieces. They formed integral parts of domestic and ecclesiastical interiors to display status and craftsmanship. Over subsequent centuries, many panels were salvaged from dismantled furniture or architectural alterations to be mounted directly onto walls as standalone decorative art.

How do I mount a heavy panel safely?

Mounting heavy timber requires securing the weight directly into wall studs or masonry using appropriate brackets that support the base and sides. Timber panels react to indoor climate shifts, so avoid placing them near direct heat sources or damp exterior walls. Professional framing or custom steel brackets ensure the piece hangs securely without placing undue stress on the ancient joints or carved surface.

How do I tell sixteenth century work from later revivals?

Early sixteenth and seventeenth-century work displays tool marks left by hand chisels, irregular grain patterns, and structural wear consistent with centuries of use. The timber often shows hand-cut peg joints and shrinkage that machinery cannot replicate. Nineteenth-century Gothic and Jacobean revival pieces generally exhibit more uniform machine-sawn backing boards, sharper standardised symmetry, and cleaner joinery methods characteristic of later Victorian workshops.