@plowdensmith.bsky.social
Sunday is the final day to visit Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair now in its 10th edition.
The fair combines galleries specialising in prints & multiples, and printmaking demonstrations to give visitors a greater insight into the methods employed by printmakers today.
woolwichprintfair.com
The fair combines galleries specialising in prints & multiples, and printmaking demonstrations to give visitors a greater insight into the methods employed by printmakers today.
woolwichprintfair.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Sunday is the final day to visit Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair now in its 10th edition.
The fair combines galleries specialising in prints & multiples, and printmaking demonstrations to give visitors a greater insight into the methods employed by printmakers today.
woolwichprintfair.com
The fair combines galleries specialising in prints & multiples, and printmaking demonstrations to give visitors a greater insight into the methods employed by printmakers today.
woolwichprintfair.com
Was it your birthday this week? You are in fine creative company: What a week it has been for artist birthdays, French artists to be precise: Today Monet, Wednesday Rodin, Tuesday Vuillard. Santé!
🖼️Claude Monet (1840–1926) - La Gare Saint-Lazare 1877
🖼️Claude Monet (1840–1926) - La Gare Saint-Lazare 1877
November 14, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Was it your birthday this week? You are in fine creative company: What a week it has been for artist birthdays, French artists to be precise: Today Monet, Wednesday Rodin, Tuesday Vuillard. Santé!
🖼️Claude Monet (1840–1926) - La Gare Saint-Lazare 1877
🖼️Claude Monet (1840–1926) - La Gare Saint-Lazare 1877
We've had an amazing week at the LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair. Six conservators have demonstrated conservation techniques for works on paper, paintings, ceramics, Gilding and metals.
Today is the final day to visit where we'll be talking all about Silver on stand B28
Today is the final day to visit where we'll be talking all about Silver on stand B28
November 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
We've had an amazing week at the LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair. Six conservators have demonstrated conservation techniques for works on paper, paintings, ceramics, Gilding and metals.
Today is the final day to visit where we'll be talking all about Silver on stand B28
Today is the final day to visit where we'll be talking all about Silver on stand B28
Making Isinglass in our paper conservation studio. Isinglass is used to consolidate parchment.
Parchment is made from treated animal skins, which is why the consolidant used is different to those more commonly used in our Paper studio for works on paper.
#PaperConservation #Parchment #Conservator
Parchment is made from treated animal skins, which is why the consolidant used is different to those more commonly used in our Paper studio for works on paper.
#PaperConservation #Parchment #Conservator
September 19, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Making Isinglass in our paper conservation studio. Isinglass is used to consolidate parchment.
Parchment is made from treated animal skins, which is why the consolidant used is different to those more commonly used in our Paper studio for works on paper.
#PaperConservation #Parchment #Conservator
Parchment is made from treated animal skins, which is why the consolidant used is different to those more commonly used in our Paper studio for works on paper.
#PaperConservation #Parchment #Conservator
Glasgow: Jim Lambie "Hot Foam" at The Modern Institute
A newly developed installation of sculptures and paintings, shaped in dialogue with the gallery’s architecture shows paintings and objects that pop with colour.
• Until 27 August
themoderninstitute.com/exhibitions/...
#ContemporaryArt
A newly developed installation of sculptures and paintings, shaped in dialogue with the gallery’s architecture shows paintings and objects that pop with colour.
• Until 27 August
themoderninstitute.com/exhibitions/...
#ContemporaryArt
July 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Glasgow: Jim Lambie "Hot Foam" at The Modern Institute
A newly developed installation of sculptures and paintings, shaped in dialogue with the gallery’s architecture shows paintings and objects that pop with colour.
• Until 27 August
themoderninstitute.com/exhibitions/...
#ContemporaryArt
A newly developed installation of sculptures and paintings, shaped in dialogue with the gallery’s architecture shows paintings and objects that pop with colour.
• Until 27 August
themoderninstitute.com/exhibitions/...
#ContemporaryArt
Squashy but satisfying. Inlays may look like a messy business but once they are all in place the item is French polished. The final surface is smooth when finished, and each inlaid element shines.
plowden-smith.com/furniture-re...
#FurnitureRestoration #Inlay #Marquetry #HistoricFurniture #Antiques
plowden-smith.com/furniture-re...
#FurnitureRestoration #Inlay #Marquetry #HistoricFurniture #Antiques
July 3, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Squashy but satisfying. Inlays may look like a messy business but once they are all in place the item is French polished. The final surface is smooth when finished, and each inlaid element shines.
plowden-smith.com/furniture-re...
#FurnitureRestoration #Inlay #Marquetry #HistoricFurniture #Antiques
plowden-smith.com/furniture-re...
#FurnitureRestoration #Inlay #Marquetry #HistoricFurniture #Antiques
We have three vacancies available. Find out more about each role on our website and join our team:
- Administrator
- Head of Client Services
- Decorative Arts Conservator (Fixed Term)
plowden-smith.com/about/careers/
#Hiring #HiringNow #ArtsJobs
- Administrator
- Head of Client Services
- Decorative Arts Conservator (Fixed Term)
plowden-smith.com/about/careers/
#Hiring #HiringNow #ArtsJobs
June 30, 2025 at 7:50 AM
We have three vacancies available. Find out more about each role on our website and join our team:
- Administrator
- Head of Client Services
- Decorative Arts Conservator (Fixed Term)
plowden-smith.com/about/careers/
#Hiring #HiringNow #ArtsJobs
- Administrator
- Head of Client Services
- Decorative Arts Conservator (Fixed Term)
plowden-smith.com/about/careers/
#Hiring #HiringNow #ArtsJobs
The #SummerExhibition at @royalacademyarts is well underway. We had the honour of visiting a couple of days ahead of the VIP opening; Joe in our #mountmaking team measured up & created bespoke mounts for a range of objects on display, working alongside the RA's installation team.
June 26, 2025 at 9:45 AM
The #SummerExhibition at @royalacademyarts is well underway. We had the honour of visiting a couple of days ahead of the VIP opening; Joe in our #mountmaking team measured up & created bespoke mounts for a range of objects on display, working alongside the RA's installation team.
We're exploring putting some longer reads out about conservation concepts.
First up, springing from an impromptu chat about the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, patina and corrosion through the lens of arms and armour:
open.substack.com/pub/plowdena...
First up, springing from an impromptu chat about the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, patina and corrosion through the lens of arms and armour:
open.substack.com/pub/plowdena...
June 23, 2025 at 7:48 AM
We're exploring putting some longer reads out about conservation concepts.
First up, springing from an impromptu chat about the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, patina and corrosion through the lens of arms and armour:
open.substack.com/pub/plowdena...
First up, springing from an impromptu chat about the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, patina and corrosion through the lens of arms and armour:
open.substack.com/pub/plowdena...
In London's National Gallery the Sainsbury Wing has re-opened with the site specific work Mud Sun by Richard Long sitting at the top of the iconic main stairs.
@nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social
@nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social
May 27, 2025 at 12:01 PM
In London's National Gallery the Sainsbury Wing has re-opened with the site specific work Mud Sun by Richard Long sitting at the top of the iconic main stairs.
@nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social
@nationalgalleryuk.bsky.social
Monday 12th is the birthday of Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood founder Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1828 - 1882. With William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, Rossetti inspired a new generation, notably William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones.
🖼️ Lady Lilith, 1867, Watercolour & Gouache, The MET Museum
🖼️ Lady Lilith, 1867, Watercolour & Gouache, The MET Museum
May 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Monday 12th is the birthday of Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood founder Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1828 - 1882. With William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, Rossetti inspired a new generation, notably William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones.
🖼️ Lady Lilith, 1867, Watercolour & Gouache, The MET Museum
🖼️ Lady Lilith, 1867, Watercolour & Gouache, The MET Museum
It starts with the iconic surrealist Salvador Dali, 1904 - 1989 born on 11th May. Dali used technical skill and precise draftsmanship to make his bizarre concepts real. This is especially apparent in The Elephants, 1948 Oil on Canvas brought to life as bronzes at varying scales.
May 13, 2025 at 11:56 AM
It starts with the iconic surrealist Salvador Dali, 1904 - 1989 born on 11th May. Dali used technical skill and precise draftsmanship to make his bizarre concepts real. This is especially apparent in The Elephants, 1948 Oil on Canvas brought to life as bronzes at varying scales.
Is it your birthday today? You share it with George Braque 1882 - 1963, co-founder of Cubism. This is an exceptionally creative week for artist's birthdays. Find yours below.
🖼️ Georges Braque, 1910, Violin and Candlestick, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
🖼️ Georges Braque, 1910, Violin and Candlestick, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
May 13, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Is it your birthday today? You share it with George Braque 1882 - 1963, co-founder of Cubism. This is an exceptionally creative week for artist's birthdays. Find yours below.
🖼️ Georges Braque, 1910, Violin and Candlestick, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
🖼️ Georges Braque, 1910, Violin and Candlestick, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Catching up on @garethharr.bsky.social in
@theartnewspaper.bsky.social with insights from Frances Morris, former Tate Modern director:
"We wanted to make a museum for the 21st century, responding to the UK's increasingly diverse population, with roots in so many different cultural contexts."
@theartnewspaper.bsky.social with insights from Frances Morris, former Tate Modern director:
"We wanted to make a museum for the 21st century, responding to the UK's increasingly diverse population, with roots in so many different cultural contexts."
May 7, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Catching up on @garethharr.bsky.social in
@theartnewspaper.bsky.social with insights from Frances Morris, former Tate Modern director:
"We wanted to make a museum for the 21st century, responding to the UK's increasingly diverse population, with roots in so many different cultural contexts."
@theartnewspaper.bsky.social with insights from Frances Morris, former Tate Modern director:
"We wanted to make a museum for the 21st century, responding to the UK's increasingly diverse population, with roots in so many different cultural contexts."
Happy Birthday to Gino Severini, born on March 7th, 1883! A pioneer of Futurism and a master of movement and modernity. His dynamic works continue to inspire and shape the world of art.
Suburban Train Arriving in Paris, 1915 (Tate)
#GinoSeverini #ArtHistory #Futurism #Birthday
Suburban Train Arriving in Paris, 1915 (Tate)
#GinoSeverini #ArtHistory #Futurism #Birthday
April 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Happy Birthday to Gino Severini, born on March 7th, 1883! A pioneer of Futurism and a master of movement and modernity. His dynamic works continue to inspire and shape the world of art.
Suburban Train Arriving in Paris, 1915 (Tate)
#GinoSeverini #ArtHistory #Futurism #Birthday
Suburban Train Arriving in Paris, 1915 (Tate)
#GinoSeverini #ArtHistory #Futurism #Birthday
Don't let your sculptures freeze! While clear spring skies are warming our days, temperatures can plummet overnight.
@metoffice.bsky.social Today: "Dry with mostly clear skies, however a few isolated mist and fog patches developing by dawn. Feeling chilly with a widespread rural frost developing."
@metoffice.bsky.social Today: "Dry with mostly clear skies, however a few isolated mist and fog patches developing by dawn. Feeling chilly with a widespread rural frost developing."
April 7, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Don't let your sculptures freeze! While clear spring skies are warming our days, temperatures can plummet overnight.
@metoffice.bsky.social Today: "Dry with mostly clear skies, however a few isolated mist and fog patches developing by dawn. Feeling chilly with a widespread rural frost developing."
@metoffice.bsky.social Today: "Dry with mostly clear skies, however a few isolated mist and fog patches developing by dawn. Feeling chilly with a widespread rural frost developing."
Eid Mubarak!
Wishing a blessed Eid to all celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mosaic panel | Egypt 8th—9th century AH / 14th—15th century CE
Curtain (sitarah) for the Hujrah screen | Istanbul, Türkiye AH 1278/1861 CE
Wishing a blessed Eid to all celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mosaic panel | Egypt 8th—9th century AH / 14th—15th century CE
Curtain (sitarah) for the Hujrah screen | Istanbul, Türkiye AH 1278/1861 CE
March 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Eid Mubarak!
Wishing a blessed Eid to all celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mosaic panel | Egypt 8th—9th century AH / 14th—15th century CE
Curtain (sitarah) for the Hujrah screen | Istanbul, Türkiye AH 1278/1861 CE
Wishing a blessed Eid to all celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mosaic panel | Egypt 8th—9th century AH / 14th—15th century CE
Curtain (sitarah) for the Hujrah screen | Istanbul, Türkiye AH 1278/1861 CE
Team training: Hal our metals conservator and Jonny in marketing are new fire marshalls for our office, studios and workshops.
Thanks to St. John Ambulance in Wimbledon for the excellent course.
Thanks to St. John Ambulance in Wimbledon for the excellent course.
March 27, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Team training: Hal our metals conservator and Jonny in marketing are new fire marshalls for our office, studios and workshops.
Thanks to St. John Ambulance in Wimbledon for the excellent course.
Thanks to St. John Ambulance in Wimbledon for the excellent course.
Morris & Co. Sussex Chair restoration: Our restorers found that it wasn't its first break so reinforced the arm with a fiberglass dowel before restoring the ebonised finish.
These iconic chairs were made from turned beech with rush seating based on a traditional sussex design.
#FurnitureRestorer
These iconic chairs were made from turned beech with rush seating based on a traditional sussex design.
#FurnitureRestorer
March 25, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Morris & Co. Sussex Chair restoration: Our restorers found that it wasn't its first break so reinforced the arm with a fiberglass dowel before restoring the ebonised finish.
These iconic chairs were made from turned beech with rush seating based on a traditional sussex design.
#FurnitureRestorer
These iconic chairs were made from turned beech with rush seating based on a traditional sussex design.
#FurnitureRestorer
#TEFAF Maastricht Highlight: Stuart Lochhead, Stand 108
‘Velázquez + Michelangelo. Early Modern Women: Devotion, Inspiration, and Global Travel’
After a model by Michelangelo, Crucified Christ, c.1560-1570, bronze.
Diego Velázquez, Portrait of Jerónima de la Fuente, c. 1620.
‘Velázquez + Michelangelo. Early Modern Women: Devotion, Inspiration, and Global Travel’
After a model by Michelangelo, Crucified Christ, c.1560-1570, bronze.
Diego Velázquez, Portrait of Jerónima de la Fuente, c. 1620.
March 18, 2025 at 1:28 PM
#TEFAF Maastricht Highlight: Stuart Lochhead, Stand 108
‘Velázquez + Michelangelo. Early Modern Women: Devotion, Inspiration, and Global Travel’
After a model by Michelangelo, Crucified Christ, c.1560-1570, bronze.
Diego Velázquez, Portrait of Jerónima de la Fuente, c. 1620.
‘Velázquez + Michelangelo. Early Modern Women: Devotion, Inspiration, and Global Travel’
After a model by Michelangelo, Crucified Christ, c.1560-1570, bronze.
Diego Velázquez, Portrait of Jerónima de la Fuente, c. 1620.
It's World Sleep Day! Our eyes are wide open at TEFAF but we spotted a sleepy figure among the busy VIP Preview.
Massimo Stanzione - Rest on the Flight to Egypt - at Porcini Gallery, Booth 341 TEFAF Maastricht
#WorldSleepDay #SleepWell #TEFAF
Massimo Stanzione - Rest on the Flight to Egypt - at Porcini Gallery, Booth 341 TEFAF Maastricht
#WorldSleepDay #SleepWell #TEFAF
March 14, 2025 at 12:14 PM
It's World Sleep Day! Our eyes are wide open at TEFAF but we spotted a sleepy figure among the busy VIP Preview.
Massimo Stanzione - Rest on the Flight to Egypt - at Porcini Gallery, Booth 341 TEFAF Maastricht
#WorldSleepDay #SleepWell #TEFAF
Massimo Stanzione - Rest on the Flight to Egypt - at Porcini Gallery, Booth 341 TEFAF Maastricht
#WorldSleepDay #SleepWell #TEFAF
With half-term on the horizon, this week we're bringing you our top pick of Exhibitions in the UK for anyone staying at home.
1: Turner In Light and Shade at the Whitworth in Manchester Marking the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth.
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exh...
1: Turner In Light and Shade at the Whitworth in Manchester Marking the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth.
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exh...
February 10, 2025 at 4:29 PM
With half-term on the horizon, this week we're bringing you our top pick of Exhibitions in the UK for anyone staying at home.
1: Turner In Light and Shade at the Whitworth in Manchester Marking the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth.
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exh...
1: Turner In Light and Shade at the Whitworth in Manchester Marking the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth.
www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exh...
Charles Dickens was born #OnThisDay in 1812.
In 2012 we manufactured mounts for the redevelopment of the #CharlesDickens #Museum. Objects were mounted to appear in situ and we enjoyed the challenges of a non-standard display, making mounts as if they were part of the furniture.
#Exhibition
In 2012 we manufactured mounts for the redevelopment of the #CharlesDickens #Museum. Objects were mounted to appear in situ and we enjoyed the challenges of a non-standard display, making mounts as if they were part of the furniture.
#Exhibition
February 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Charles Dickens was born #OnThisDay in 1812.
In 2012 we manufactured mounts for the redevelopment of the #CharlesDickens #Museum. Objects were mounted to appear in situ and we enjoyed the challenges of a non-standard display, making mounts as if they were part of the furniture.
#Exhibition
In 2012 we manufactured mounts for the redevelopment of the #CharlesDickens #Museum. Objects were mounted to appear in situ and we enjoyed the challenges of a non-standard display, making mounts as if they were part of the furniture.
#Exhibition
We also recommend The Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors at the royal Society of Sculptors' Dora House which opened on Saturday:
📷 1. Euphrosyne Andrews, Hemmed With Green, 2024, Silkscreen on Aluminium, Plywood, Acrylic, Copper, Steel.
📷 2. Kishwar Kiani, Chadar, 2024, Stainless Steel
📷 1. Euphrosyne Andrews, Hemmed With Green, 2024, Silkscreen on Aluminium, Plywood, Acrylic, Copper, Steel.
📷 2. Kishwar Kiani, Chadar, 2024, Stainless Steel
February 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We also recommend The Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors at the royal Society of Sculptors' Dora House which opened on Saturday:
📷 1. Euphrosyne Andrews, Hemmed With Green, 2024, Silkscreen on Aluminium, Plywood, Acrylic, Copper, Steel.
📷 2. Kishwar Kiani, Chadar, 2024, Stainless Steel
📷 1. Euphrosyne Andrews, Hemmed With Green, 2024, Silkscreen on Aluminium, Plywood, Acrylic, Copper, Steel.
📷 2. Kishwar Kiani, Chadar, 2024, Stainless Steel
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Gillian Ayres (1930–2018), a visionary of abstract art! 🌟 Her vibrant, large scale works on canvas bring joy to our conservation studio as we preserve her legacy for future generations.
#ModernArt #Abstract #GillianAyres
plowden-smith.com/fine-art-res...
#ModernArt #Abstract #GillianAyres
plowden-smith.com/fine-art-res...
February 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Today, we celebrate the birthday of Gillian Ayres (1930–2018), a visionary of abstract art! 🌟 Her vibrant, large scale works on canvas bring joy to our conservation studio as we preserve her legacy for future generations.
#ModernArt #Abstract #GillianAyres
plowden-smith.com/fine-art-res...
#ModernArt #Abstract #GillianAyres
plowden-smith.com/fine-art-res...