How do I hang a heavy framed oil painting safely?

Ensure you locate wall studs or utilise appropriate cavity wall fixings rated for the weight of the frame and canvas. Heavy wooden and gilt gesso frames require robust picture wire and sturdy wall hooks. Check that the hanging cord or wire is securely attached to the structural sides of the frame rather than the backing board. Professional picture hangers provide extra stability for large formats.

Can I place these artworks in direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight damages paper, watercolours, textiles and oil pigments over time, causing fading and discoloration. Position your pictures away from south-facing windows to preserve the original colours. Consider utilising UV-filtered glass for valuable watercolours and prints housed on paper. Regular rotation of pieces also helps minimise prolonged light exposure.

How do I clean vintage picture frames without damage?

Dust carved wood and gilt gesso frames gently with a soft dry brush or a feather duster. Avoid using commercial liquid cleaners or water on antique gilt surfaces as moisture strips the gold leaf. For glass panels, apply a small amount of glass cleaner to a cloth rather than spraying directly onto the glass. This prevents moisture from seeping behind the frame into the artwork.

What distinguishes an original painting from a print?

Original paintings display visible brush texture, varying paint thickness and distinct artist hand movements under close inspection. Prints, including oleographs, show uniform dot patterns or smooth flat surfaces lacking physical paint layers. Examining the edges under magnification reveals whether the pigment sits on canvas, paperboard or a mechanical printing mesh. Signatures on originals are handwritten in ink or paint rather than reproduced in the printing process.