How do I hang a heavy wooden panel?

Substantial panels require secure wall anchors fixed directly into masonry or wooden studs. Professional framing brackets distribute the weight safely. Avoid relying on standard picture wire for heavy oak or hardwood carvings. A French cleat system provides stable support for flush wall mounting.

What is the difference between sixteenth and seventeenth-century panels?

Sixteenth-century examples often display stricter geometric arrangements and linenfold patterns. Figures tend to appear flatter and more stylised. Seventeenth-century Baroque and Jacobean panels introduce deeper undercutting, dynamic movement, and elaborate acanthus scrolls. The carving becomes far more sculptural and theatrical.

Are these panels always from walls?

Many originate from architectural wall schemes, but others served different functional purposes. Items include overdoor decorations, staircase panels, settle backs, and cabinet doors. Some pieces began as furniture elements before being repurposed as standalone wall art. Traces of mortise and tenon joints often reveal this earlier context.