How do I identify the signature?

Signatures typically appear in one of the lower corners of the canvas or paper, rendered in paint or ink. Comparing the handwriting and style to known examples helps confirm the artist's identity. Faded signatures sometimes require raking light to read clearly. Consulting artist dictionaries and exhibition records assists in placing obscure names.

What periods are represented?

The available works span from the nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century. This includes academic nineteenth-century pieces alongside modernist and impressionist interpretations. Dates often derive from signatures, exhibition labels, or stylistic analysis. Mid-century modernist and wartime compositions also appear in the record.

How should I hang these paintings?

Keep paintings away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to protect the canvas and pigments. Stable indoor humidity prevents the wooden stretcher bars and panels from warping. Secure picture hooks rated for the weight of the frame should be fixed into solid wall anchors. Ensure the hanging height places the centre of the canvas at average eye level.

Are watercolours as durable as oils?

Watercolours on paper are more sensitive to light and moisture than oil paintings on canvas. They require framing under glass with acid-free mounts to prevent fading and paper degradation. Oil paint forms a durable, flexible film that resists environmental shifts better than paper supports. Both mediums benefit from stable indoor conditions and careful handling.