Richard Hawkes

The market for limited edition and signed, original screenprints by the artist Banksy continues to see rapidly rising prices.  The value of an individual print, however, is hugely dependent on the prints being in the best possible condition.  This means an absence of even slightly dog-eared corners, small creases, old masking tape hinges and, most […]

A project supported by a grant from the National Manuscript Conservation Trust Since it’s foundation thirty years ago the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust (NMCT) have helped to fund the conservation of many of the countries unique and historically important records and documents.  We have been fortunate to be able to carry out just a few

Archival replicas of documents, deeds and manuscripts for museums A facsimile (from Latin fac simile, “to make alike”) is a copy or reproduction of an old book, manuscript, map, art print, or other item of historical value that is as true to the original source as possible. There are lots of reasons why a facsimile

by Rosie Shepley, Paper Conservator The Orton and Spooner Collection is part of the National Fairground and Circus Archive, housed at the University of Sheffield. Based in Burton upon Trent, the Orton and Spooner Company designed, produced and decorated elaborate rides, shows and wagons from the 1890s until the 1950s. The collection contains many items

Do you have a conservation project in mind for an individual or group of artworks, a manuscript or archive from your collection? Finding the funding to make this happen is likely to be a hurdle. However, there is currently a range of generous grants available to many UK museums, galleries, institutions and registered charities. There are also many opportunities

How would you usually expect to see art on paper displayed in a gallery? The answer, of course, is with a bevelled mount within a glazed picture frame. This is a tradition from the end of the nineteenth century which still holds strong today. Many contemporary artists now seek to free their work from these

The Restoration of an Early English Watercolour by Francis Nicholson of Old Malton Manor and Church, Yorkshire. The late 18th and early 19th century is considered a golden age for watercolourists in Britain.  One of the most noted of these artists was Francis Nicholson (1753-1844).  He was a founder member and President of the Society

I often get enquiries from enthusiastic collectors of printed reproductions of paintings on aviation, military, motorsports and similar subjects. These are usually printed in limited, numbered runs of less than 500 and, as well as being signed by the artist, they can be taken to events and signed by veterans. So I thought I would mention some

A blog for The Hepworth Wakefield’s Print Fair March 5th and 6th 2016 Buying original prints offers a wonderful way to enjoy affordable works of art by favourite artists. The rich variety of tones and textures that can be achieved with printmaking techniques ranging from etchings and linocuts to silk screen prints and lithographs also

Fig. 1 A volume from The Gott Collection on a Plastazote® book support system For many years I have been making book cradles and supports for museums, archives and libraries to display valuable books and vulnerable bindings. These are usually made-to-measure from acid-free mount board, preventing stress being placed on the spine of the book