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One of my favourite types of artwork to conserve are ukiyo‑e prints, also known as Japanese woodblock prints. This genre was most prevalent in Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries, although the mokuhanga (woodblock printing) technique is still practised today by artists worldwide. The term ukiyo‑e (浮世絵), meaning “floating world,” refers to the indulgent […]

Introduction The conservation and restoration treatment of prints can breathe new life into artworks that have been worn by the passage of time. Drawing on over 30 years’ experience, our specialist conservators combine artistic sensitivity with scientific knowledge to clean, repair and preserve prints. These include engravings, etchings, lithographs, screenprints and other forms of reproductions,

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

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 relating to the company including

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