How should I hang a watercolour painting?

Watercolours are sensitive to bright sunlight and direct heat sources. Position them away from windows to prevent the pigments from fading over time. Ensure the wall fixings are secure and use picture wire appropriate for the weight of the wood frame and glass.

What periods do these paintings represent?

The selection spans the nineteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century. Victorian examples sit alongside early twentieth-century illustrations and mid-century British works. Dates are generally verified through signatures, inscriptions, or the style of the mounting and framing materials.

Are these paintings supplied with glass?

Most works on paper require glass protection to shield the delicate watercolour pigment from dust and atmospheric moisture. The glass sits slightly above the painted surface using a mount, ensuring the paper does not touch the pane directly.

How do I identify a nineteenth-century watercolour?

Examine the paper stock for texture, watermarks, and hand-cut edges typical of older manufacturing methods. Pigment analysis and artist signatures often provide further chronological clues. Framing elements such as early wooden mouldings and backing boards also indicate nineteenth-century origins.