How do I hang a heavy framed oil safely?

Secure heavy timber frames directly into wall studs using appropriate steel fixings and multi-strand picture wire. Ensure the weight is distributed evenly across two mounting points to keep the curved frame level.

Where should I place these paintings at home?

Position them in reception rooms or hallways away from direct sunlight and dramatic temperature shifts. Their curved profiles contrast well against flat wall panels and patterned wallpapers.

How do I clean a gilded frame safely?

Dust the carved surfaces gently with a soft, dry ostrich feather brush to remove surface particles. Avoid using water, chemical solvents, or abrasive cloths that can strip the gold leaf.

How do I identify seventeenth-century portraits?

Examine the sitters' clothing, lace collars, and wig styles alongside the handling of light and shadow. Early canvases often show craquelure and bear attribution to known schools or circles of painters.