What is ageing?
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When we discuss the ageing of a painting, we most typically make reference to the process of natural deterioration that can occur over many decades or centuries.
To understand why they deteriorate over time, it is important to remember that paintings are created using essentially incompatible materials, with each having a different reaction to the changes in the environment, including light, temperature and relative humidity.
An oil painting consists of several layers, comprising the base canvas, a layer of gesso base coat, several layers of the oil based paint and then several coats of varnish to protect the paint surface. With many different materials, it is understandable that each layer may dry at different rates and will also absorb and release moisture at different rates. When this occurs, expansion and contraction of the painting will result in a crazing of the varnish surface. This pattern of small cracks is known as craquelure. Along with the darkening or yellowing of the varnish surface, it is this visual representation of the cracking that we refer to as ageing.
When this craquelure appears as a result of ageing, the painting takes on a more majestic and credible aspect, giving the viewer an inspired sense of history. It is this aspect that makes our process of artificial ageing so popular.
Why age artwork?
For as long as Florence has been synonymous with fine artisans, the process of ageing paintings, works of art and sculptures has been practised by only the select few.
The jealously guarded ageing techniques have been passed down through generations, with very little change over the years.
The purpose for artificially ageing is to create a finished product that accurately reflects an era or is consistent with the environment (usually period) into which it is to be placed.
The most obvious indication of the ageing of an item is the craquelure, or crazing pattern, on the surface. It is this cracking which instils a sense of age and history to the item, accurately representing the natural process of ageing.
When a painting or work of art has been aged using our techniques, the owner derives a sense of satisfaction that their item is representative of the original, historical item.
How do we age artwork?
At Aged Artwork, we are proud to have an Italian artisan as our principal who uses the time proven techniques for ageing paintings, works of art and other items.
Aged Artwork’s mission is to celebrate and enhance the understanding of
masterfully crafted products that are produced by applying the techniques of this long established Florentine tradition.
This kind of craftsmanship can only be achieved by hand. The particular techniques that we use have been practised by a handful of select artisans and craftsmen for the past 200 years.
Whilst our products are unique and rare, the inclusion of more progressive and contemporary applications offers more lavish and spectacular creations, generating a new standard of product.
Aged Artwork has been predominantly applied to images transferred to quality papers. We have now been able to extend this process to include various base materials including timbers, plaster, silk and leather.
Being completed by hand, each piece of aged artwork is unique. Thus, each item will always be individual, attaining a specific identity. Furthermore, the ageing of a product brings to the owner not only the genuine historical look but also a longevity that is maintained by the sealing action of our application techniques.
Historically, many artists have felt the need to have their works duplicated in order to reach as many people as possible. This has meant that they have often avoided being commodified, by not being forced into a certain price bracket, allowing their works to be enjoyed by connoisseurs of all economic circumstance.
Plaster plaques and statues, prints and lithographs are now as good as the original works by the artist. These replicas have sensible pricing, making them ideal for art lovers with diverse application. So, whilst there may be many classic pieces of art in the world, there is now the opportunity for the many to share what was once only owned and enjoyed by the few.
Once we have aged these replica art pieces, the resemblance to the original is complete, creating a rare and unique facsimile of the highest quality.
At Aged Artwork, clients from around the world commission us to age their pieces of art. Some examples of client requests are from famous collectors who have commissioned recognised artists to make copies of works so as to round off their private collection. Corporate and hotelier clients alike, who wish to keep originals of works in storage whilst displaying high quality replicas in their boardrooms, foyers and luxury suites.
Our products and ageing service are regularly utilised by interior designers and architects as they strive for that superior effect, unique to their client request.
The one common aspect to the incorporation of our products and service is that connoisseurs from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to enjoy, on a daily basis, the intangible and subjective depiction of beauty, love and life in their home or workplace, without the additional concern for the safe keeping of the piece.
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