Where were ecclesiastical panels originally placed?

These panels formed integral parts of larger church furnishings such as altarpieces, choir stalls, rood screens and wall paneling. They served to instruct and inspire congregations through visual storytelling. Over subsequent centuries, many panels were removed from their original ecclesiastical contexts during architectural restorations or building closures, eventually entering private collections as independent wall art.

How do I hang a heavy wooden panel?

Due to the substantial weight of dense hardwoods like oak and pine, panels require secure wall anchoring into studs or masonry. Professional framing or custom mounting brackets distribute the weight evenly without damaging the antique timber. Avoid hanging pieces in areas subject to extreme humidity or direct sunlight, which can cause the aged wood to warp or remaining polychrome paint to flake.

How do I tell sixteenth-century carving from nineteenth-century revivals?

Sixteenth-century carvings typically display tool marks consistent with hand-hewn execution, deep patination from age, and iconography tied directly to pre-Reformation devotion. The grain patterns and timber shrinkage reflect centuries of natural environmental adaptation. Nineteenth-century Gothic Revival pieces often exhibit cleaner mechanical precision in the joinery, standardised revival motifs, and wood that lacks the deep, dry fibre structure characteristic of true medieval timber.

Should I clean or wax an antique wood panel?

Historic surfaces benefit most from gentle dusting with a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove particulate matter without disturbing the patina. Avoid modern liquid cleaners, abrasive cloths or household polishes that can strip fragile finishes. If the dry timber appears parched, a microcrystalline wax applied sparingly by a professional can protect the grain without altering the historical surface.