How do I hang antique wall art safely?

Use appropriate wall fixings rated for the weight of the frame and glass. Hang pieces away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect the canvas, paper and pigments. Ensure the picture wire or D-rings on the reverse are secure before mounting. Period frames often require specific hooks to distribute the load evenly.

What is the difference between an oil painting and a gouache?

Oil paintings use pigments bound in drying oils like linseed, applied to canvas or wood panels. They offer rich textures, depth and a glossy or satin finish that develops character over time. Gouache is a water-based medium containing opaque pigments that dry to a flat, matte appearance. Gouache works are typically executed on paper and require protective glass framing.

How do I identify the period of a framed painting?

Examine the stretcher bars, canvas weave, and framing materials for clues regarding age. Victorian and Edwardian works often feature specific framing styles, paper types, or handwritten inscriptions on the reverse. Artist signatures, stylistic conventions of realism or impressionism, and biographical dates provide reliable chronological markers for dating the artwork.