How do I clean a vintage oil painting?

Surface dust can be removed very gently with a soft, dry brush, but moisture and household cleaners must be avoided. Professional conservators should handle any deeper cleaning or removal of discoloured varnish to protect the underlying canvas.

Are watercolours prone to fading?

Watercolours on paper are sensitive to prolonged, direct sunlight, which can gradually dull fugitive pigments over decades. Displaying them away from south-facing windows and using UV-protective glass helps preserve their original colour balance.

How do I date an antique marine painting?

The style of the vessel rigging, clothing of any figures, and construction of the stretcher frame offer initial chronological clues. Signatures, artist exhibition records, and occasional inscriptions on the reverse of the canvas provide more precise dating.

Can unmounted canvases be framed safely?

A canvas needs adequate margin and structural stability before fitting into a new rebate. Traditional wooden frames should allow the canvas to breathe without pinching the weave or causing tension along the edges.