How do I hang heavy framed wall art safely?

Ensure your wall fixings match the weight and substrate of the wall, utilising proper wall plugs and screws for plaster or masonry. Heavy framed paintings and wood plaques require sturdy picture wire and dual anchor points to distribute the load evenly. Check that the hanging hardware screwed into the wooden frame remains secure and stable before mounting. Professional picture hanging hooks provide reliable support for substantial oil paintings and framed dioramas.

What is the best lighting for watercolour paintings?

Display watercolours away from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of delicate pigments and paper supports. Low-intensity LED lighting with UV filtering offers safe illumination without generating excessive heat. Position lights at an angle to reduce glare on glass-fronted frames while ensuring the entire surface remains clearly visible. Consistent, indirect ambient light preserves the subtle tones of nineteenth-century watercolours.

How can I tell a print from an original painting?

Examine the surface of the artwork under a magnifying glass to check for the continuous brushstrokes characteristic of oil paint or gouache. Prints typically display dot patterns, uniform ink application, or plate marks from the printing press. Inspect the texture of the support, as original paintings show raised pigment layers on canvas or board. Prints lie flat against the paper or show indentations from engraving processes.