Pair of Framed Watercolours
A pair of framed watercolours offers dual hanging artworks matched by subject, period or artist.
Pair of Framed Watercolours
A pair of framed watercolours brings together twin companion paintings, most frequently encountered in Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian formats.
The selections span English country landscapes, portrait miniatures, coastal marine scenes and oriental silk paintings.
These matched pairs were historically created to hang in balance on either side of a fireplace, doorway or architectural feature.
How they were made
Artists applied watercolour pigment and ink onto paper, pith paper, rice paper or silk.
The completed paintings were then housed behind protective glass within wooden frames, frequently finished in gilt wood or gold leaf.
Pair of Framed Watercolours Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for pair of framed watercolours among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
What varies in quality
The distinction lies in the fidelity of the draughtsmanship, the vibrancy of surviving pigment and the harmony between the companion pieces.
Original matching frames and authenticated signatures by documented artists elevate the standing of a pair.
Guido Bach·Robert A Nottingham·Fred Lawson·Th Thibault·George Rankin·F J Snell·Alfred George Morgan·Ernest Uden·George Whyatt·Robert Buchan Nisbet·Sidney James Beer·Nora Cundell·Robert Richard Scanlan·Jan van Couver·George Hargreaves·Thomas Woolnoth·John Sanderson Wells·James H Hulse·Thomas Bush Hardy·A J Thornton
The Pair of Framed Watercolours Glossary
- Watercolour pigment
- Finely ground colour particles mixed with a water-soluble binder, used for delicate washes on paper.
- Gilt wood
- Timber frames coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or metallic gilt for decorative brilliance.
- Portrait miniature
- A small-scale painted likeness, often executed with meticulous detail on ivory, card or paper.
- Pith paper
- A delicate oriental plant-based material used in the nineteenth century for vibrant botanical and figure paintings.
- Diptych
- A pair of art works painted as a single conceptual unit, sharing common themes or narratives.
Pair of Framed Watercolours: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a pair of watercolours?
Hang them at eye level with consistent spacing between the frames to maintain their visual balance on the wall.
Ensure they are positioned away from direct sunlight to protect the fragile pigments from fading over time.
Were these always sold together?
Most pairs were conceived, painted and framed concurrently by the artist to hang as matching companion pieces.
Occasional pairings are assembled later by dealers based on matching size, subject matter and period style.
How do I identify the period of the frame?
Examine the construction joints, corner mitres and the type of gilt or wood finish used on the moulding.
Period frames often show original backing papers, old framer labels and hand-cut glass that match the age of the artwork.