How should I display antique watercolours safely?

Keep works away from direct sunlight to prevent the pigments and paper from fading over time. Maintain stable indoor humidity levels to protect both the paper and the original ebonised frames. Use UV-filtering glass if you reframe a piece, though retaining original glass and framing materials is preferred by collectors.

Pith paper is a porous, spongy material cut from the pith of a Chinese plant. It accepts watercolour and gouache with a unique velvety depth. Because the material is fragile, pieces on pith paper require careful handling and preservation behind glass.

How do I identify a Regency period frame?

Regency frames often feature clean profiles, ebonised surfaces, and subtle brass or gilt accents. They complement the darker ink and watercolour tones of the era. Examine the back of the frame for original construction marks, old fixings, and aged timber backing.

Are these works signed by the artists?

Some pieces bear artist signatures or contemporary inscriptions on the front or reverse. Others remain unattributed, categorised by regional school and period. Unsigned works are common among portrait miniatures and folk art studies from the 18th and 19th centuries.