What is a mezzotint portrait?

A mezzotint portrait is an image created from a copper plate prepared to hold deep ink tones, producing smooth transitions between light and dark. Printers used this method during the eighteenth century to reproduce paintings of prominent figures with painterly depth.

How should I hang these prints?

These works require protection from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of paper, ink and hand-applied watercolours. Displaying them in stable indoor environments helps preserve both the delicate print surface and the original wooden or gilt frames.

Are these works original period pieces?

The inventory consists of historical works originating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They utilise traditional printmaking techniques and materials characteristic of the Georgian era rather than modern reproduction methods.

What is a reverse glass painting?

A reverse glass painting is an artwork applied directly to the rear side of a glass panel. Viewers observe the image through the front of the glass, which gives the colours a distinct sheen and depth.