Our Senior Ceramics Conservator Madeleine has been part of our conservation team for 20 years today! Madeleine has a wealth of expertise which extends to work on stone and enamel with flawless results. Congrats Mads! https://plowden-smith.com/restoration-conservation-services/ceramic-restoration/

We were excited recently to be able to visit conservator & mount makers @plowdensmith.bsky.social who are creating a new base & undertaking specialist conservation treatment of a bronze head of Alexander Fleming sculpted in c.1955 by artist Frank Kovacs in the @rcphysicians.bsky.social collection.

Our exhibition recommendation of the week is Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, which has just opened at the V & A South Kensington. Tickets for this exhibition are already fully booked for the next month, so be sure to book in advance. https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/schiaparelli#articles

Our Easter holiday recommendation is the Britten Pears sculpture park at Snape Maltings in Suffolk. A highlight of the visit is this Barbara Hepworth series of sculptures, The Family of Man (1970).

As Easter is approaching, we want to share a restoration project that we are honoured to have completed for St. Winefride Church in Wimbledon, not far from our studios. This outdoor wooden crucifix is situated atop the church's WWI memorial, tiled forecourt, and surrounding mound.

Happy Easter break!🐇🐣 Please note that our offices, studios, and workshops will be closed for Easter holidays on Good Friday and on Easter Monday, 3rd April - 6th April.

Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco Goya was born on this day in 1746. Goya's work embodies the Romanticism through which he reflected political turmoil. A Picnic, 1785-90 is currently on display in The National Gallery. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/francisco-de-goya-a-picnic

Born on this day in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh is among the most famous figures in the history of Post-Impressionist art. His renowned Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is currently on display at The Courtauld Gallery. https://courtauld.ac.uk/highlights/self-portrait-with-bandaged-ear/

Rose Wylie has become the first female painter to have a solo exhibition in the main galleries of the Royal Academy. The exhibition is open until 19th April. https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/rose-wylie?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23619667838&gbraid=0AAAAADpkcW1_wKphlBYvcVO-hvm_BzA0K

Our exhibition recommendation of the week is Eduardo Paolozzi's pop art showcase, General Dynamic F.U.N, now on display at the Usher Gallery. The exhibition is free to visit, full of colour, and open until 7 June 2026. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7el123vn9o

After spending decades overlooked and forgotten in the museum's attic, Georges de La Tour's 17th century painting The Dice Players has finally returned to the spotlight. The artwork went back on display this week at Preston Park Museum in Stockton. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyx4dd0ej7o

A new Keith Haring exhibit has opened at the Moco Museum, but where are his iconic vibrant colours? Thirty of his black-and-white drawings are now on view. The exhibit will be open through June 2026. Access the link below to learn more: https://www.mocomuseum.com/news/london/keith-haring-exhibition/

Born on this day in 1599, Anthony van Dyck was the most important Flemish painter of the 1600s and is celebrated for his mythological pictures. Cupid and Psyche, 1640, accompanied by his other works, is on display at The National Gallery. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/anthony-van-dyck

Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama was born on this day in 1929. Kusama's solo exhibition is no longer on view in London, but her infinity mirror room installations are now on display at the Museum Ludwig until August 2, 2026. https://www.museum-ludwig.de/en/home/exhibitions/yayoi-kusama

Will street art become the historic works of the future? Community members of Stanley, County Durham, have claimed that the new public art in their town has brightened the area and brought some 'much needed vibrancy.' Read more below: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrz7rgx852o

On international Happiness Day, here is a reminder that art is more than its commercial value. Explore more about the impact of art on our wellbeing: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/13/not-just-dollars-euros-and-pounds-art-has-deep-value-for-wellbeing

Good news for the art world: after two consecutive years of decline, the global art market is showing signs of recovery. See the following Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report for more information: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/12/art-basel-ubs-art-market-report-2025-four-percent-growth

Following 2 years of study, researchers at the Rijksmuseum have demonstrated that the painting Vision of Zacharias in the Temple (1633) is a Rembrandt. The museum found that the paints, technique and wooden panel all confirm the date and authenticity. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Polished steel surfaces, incorporation of industrial elements, choosing welding over casting. These elements and more from David Smith's work all foreshadowed styles recognisable in sculpture today. www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks... #ArtistBirthday #Sculpture

Explore Tracey Emin's raw approach to artistic exploration in her exhibition 'A Second Life,' at Tate Modern. This exhibition showcases Emin's standout works, as well as projects never exhibited before, that challenge artistic boundaries. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/tracey-emin

Take a break from the day and stop by the V&A to see Dr Claire Lemesle-Joly's Lunchtime Lecture, which will focus on the influence of animals and animal imagery in the museum's collections. 5th March 2026, 13.00 - 14.00 https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/1pXr1M41Jq9/lunchtime-lecture-5-march-2026

Searching for a deeper dive into the Theatre Picasso exhibition currently open at Tate Modern? Join writer and exhibition co-curator Enrique Fuenteblanca for an exploration of Picasso's 'The Three Dancers.' https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/theatre-picasso/theatre-picasso-slow-looking

An exhibition tip not far from our studios, Alastair Gordon, artist in residence at the Wimbledon Museum, reimagines the treasures of the Museum in exquisitely detailed paintings. Objects of Enchantment until 29th March. https://wimbledonsociety.org.uk/museum/

How much does an artist's style change over time? These three Renoir works show distinctly varied approaches of the famous impressionist born this day in 1841: A Road in Louveciennes, 1870 Sea & Cliffs, 1885 In the Meadow, 1888-1892 All Images are from the Met Museum collection.

Although chrome yellow pigments initially provide a bright colour, unfortunately they fade and darken over time. The Van Gogh Museum therefore now displays their painting under relatively low lighting. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/02/20/yellow-van-goghs-favourite-colour

Silver has been prized for millennia. Yet throughout history, vast quantities of historic silverware has been lost. Find out how the volatility of silver pricing can put historic craftsmanship at risk. https://plowden-smith.com/the-rising-price-of-silver-a-conservation-view-on-historic-silverware/

Don't keep your medal in a sock. Our bespoke mounts are not just for artworks. We've mounted tennis rackets, medals, wine bottles, F1 Cars & more. If you have a treasured trophy or a whole collection, treat it to a bespoke mount https://plowden-smith.com/museum-services/mount-making/ #WinterOlympics

Exhibition Recommendation Gwen John:Strange Beauties on until 28 June after which it will tour internationally. Creative Director Jonathan Anderson has collaborated with Cardiff National Museum, creating a series of cornettes shown with the exhibition https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2ny0x7g7o

Contemporary Artist Gerhard Richter was born this day in 1932. The 94-year-old is currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/events/gerhard-richter-exhibition

Waldemar JANUSZCZAK has spotted the rise of spookiness in art before and has done so again with Hoi Polloi, at the Brown Collection, London until Aug 8 https://www.thetimes.com/article/79dfd101-99ae-4336-8cbe-ea0e00ea7bc9?shareToken=3a4d614ac7574a311cbd6391dbb9c2cb

We are delighted to be showing at the Listed Property Show, Stand C19 we have live demos from our furniture department and heaps of info on how we can help to preserve your historic interior woodwork, stone, lighting and artworks. https://www.lpoc.co.uk/the-listed-property-show-london/

So pleased to see this! Martin Froy’s work is so fantastic. I’ve seen his murals @belgradetheatre.bsky.social #Coventry Just stunningly beautiful! @aaronjlaw.bsky.social

Congratulations to Morley College London on the official re-opening of the Emma Cons Hall. We preserved the two 58-foot-long Martin Froy murals which run the full length of the the hall and will accompany Morley students' performances and rehearsals into the future.

Beryl Cook: Pride & Joy opens at The Box, Plymouth, on Saturday. Rachell Campbell-Johnston explains why her work deserves a closer look in The Times & Sunday Times https://www.thetimes.com/article/0528186d-5712-48cc-a499-c02c6d70608f?shareToken=c8976995775ef8038324d0155826ca8a

What exhibitions are on your radar? This show at the British Museum is now on our must see list thanks to JANUSZCZAK for featuring it in The Times & Sunday Times https://www.thetimes.com/article/175e431f-8bbe-4677-a344-659433da22ea?shareToken=0c7deddb1f5b0c2e7800e305b4ed53b2

Tune in to the latest Waldy & Bendy podcast focussed on @bendorgrosvenor.bsky.social revealing the secrets of Holbein's The Ambassadors. A really refreshing change of format to a deep dive into a well known masterpiece. zczfilms.com/podcasts/sea... #ArtHistory

"If Constable had painted still lifes while Turner did portraits we would not have needed to pitch one against the other..." Waldemar proclaims Turner triumphant, do you agree? https://www.thetimes.com/article/7fb0d4cf-bfd1-4fa7-9704-6ba805c7ed1b?shareToken=dbdf232cbc2e2a25081331ff1cf4c722

Did hosting leave your furniture in need of some TLC? Removing stains and ring marks, followed by a good professional wax can transform a table, sideboard or console. We can breathe new life into period or contemporary pieces. https://plowden-smith.com/furniture-restoration-london/

Gustave Doré Born this day in 1832 is famous for his engravings illustrating classic literature such as Paradise Lost with tempestuous skies, angelic and demonic figures. Doré employed teams of engravers and block cutters to turn his illustrations into printmaking plates. #ArtHistory #Printmaking

To all our clients and colleagues, wishing you prosperity and joy for 2026! We hope this New Years Eve is one to remember and we look forward to hearing from you in the New Year. We are back in action on January 5th. #NewYearsEve

Merry Christmas! This Madonna Della Strada, along with its incredible ornate frame, was restored recently in our studios. The frame was a mixture of gold and silver leaf now restored to its original glory and returned to the Oxford Oratory. https://plowden-smith.com/gilding-services/

Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?🎵🎶 #ChristmasEve #Slade #Cattelan

Our office, studios and workshops will close today until Monday 5th January. We would like to wish all our followers a Merry Christmas and wish you joy and prosperity for 2026. https://plowden-smith.com/

Basquiat was born today — and the art world has never been the same. His graffiti alter-ego SAMO is well known however tags rarely appear for sale. The first recorded sale in 2020 was reported by Artnet: https://news.artnet.com/market/basquiat-samo-tag-capsule-auctions-1878054 #JeanMichelBasquiat

Who is your favourite Renaissance artist? Despite dying at only 26, Masaccio revolutionized painting and is now revered as one of the earliest masters of the Italian Renaissance. Pictured here "The Tribute Money" is one of many Masaccio frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel, Florence.

We recommend Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A which combines original artifacts from the life of the ill-fated queen, alongside examples of her ongoing influence on fashion and design. https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette #MarieAntoinette #MarieAntoinetteStyle #VAM #Exhibition

Of course everyone's well organised with all gifts wrapped and under the tree. But, just in case, we found this list from Historic Houses a huge help finding unusual items for the hard-to-buy-for history lover. Gift Shops at Historic Houses https://www.historichouses.org/gift-shops/

Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible – Paul Klee Born this day in 1879, a pioneer of modern art, his ability to make the invisible tangible is why his work continues to inspire artists around the globe. #PaulKlee #ModernArt #ArtistBirthday

Paul Cadmus would have celebrated a birthday today. The artist who turned realism into rebellion and painted bodies with unmatched precision. 🎂🎨 #OTD #PaulCadmus This article from the Met on censorship of Cadmus' work is a great read: https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/paul-cadmus-the-fleets-in

Absolutely loved the full play through of the Jane Austen inspired shipping forecast this morning. #JaneAusten250