How do I hang a heavy framed landscape?

Heavy works require secure picture hooks fixed directly into wall studs or masonry using appropriate rawlplugs. Ensure the hanging wire or brackets on the rear of the timber frame can support the total weight. Position the centre of the picture at average eye level to create a balanced viewing height within the room.

Can I place these pictures in direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight causes pigments in watercolours and oil paints to fade over time. It also damages nineteenth-century paper and dries out older wooden frames. Select a wall that receives indirect or diffused light to preserve the colours and materials of the artwork.

How do I clean an antique frame?

Dust timber frames gently with a soft, dry brush or a lint-free cloth. Avoid chemical sprays or damp cloths, which can damage aged finishes and gilt surfaces. Professional conservators should handle repairs to carved or moulded sections of antique frames.

What is the difference between an oil and a watercolour?

Oils use pigment bound in slow-drying oil on canvas or board, offering rich textures and deep opacity. Watercolours use water-soluble pigments on paper, resulting in transparent, luminous washes. Watercolours require glass protection, whereas many older oil paintings remain unglazed.