How do I care for antique watercolours?

Watercolours require protection from direct sunlight to prevent the pigments and paper from fading over time. Keep them away from damp environments to avoid foxing spots and mould growth on the paper. Ensure they are framed behind glass with archival-grade mount boards that prevent the paper from touching the glass directly. Stable indoor temperatures will keep the paper from warping or buckling.

How do I date an antique frame?

Frame styles often mirror the prevailing interior design trends of their period, such as deep giltwood and gesso mouldings in the 19th century. Examining the construction corners, backing boards and fixings helps determine if the frame is original to the artwork. Hand-carved wooden details and the composition of the plaster gesso layers differ noticeably between Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian workshops. A period frame should show consistent, natural wear that matches the age of the painting inside it.

What is the difference between a print and original artwork?

An original artwork is created directly by the artist's hand through painting, drawing or etching. Each brushstroke or inked line is unique to that single physical object. Prints reproduce an existing image mechanically or through photographic means, resulting in identical multiples. Close inspection under magnification reveals the flat dot patterns of reproductions versus the raised pigment or pressed paper fibres of originals.