Hello!

I’m Sophie Camberwell, the Art Consultant for Fabulous Masterpieces. If you have arrived at this page it’s probably because you want to know more about the services on offer here, or you may already have some specific questions about art you want to ask me.

Whatever you want to know I can assure you it’s not a problem. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll answer some Frequently Asked Questions in a little while, but first, a little bit more about what I can do for you.

I am a fully qualified Art Consultant and have worked in the arts for several years. I am able to offer you a personal, professional, and un-biased service that will allow you to make the best choice of fine art painting for your home or business.

All you need to do to get the ball rolling, is email me with your query at sophie@fabulousmasterpieces.co.uk specifying your initial requirements, and I shall endeavour to get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

Some things to consider including in your email might be:

•    Whether your painting is for a home or business
•    The shape and colour of the intended display room
•    Natural brightness the room allows
•    Your intentions for the painting i.e. for relaxation, to impress, to inspire
•    Your budget
•    Any other specific requirements you feel might be important

We can then work closely together, and I shall be able to help form recommendations that will ensure your total happiness with your purchase.

I can advise you in detail with:

•    Colour schemes
•    Optimal hanging positions in the home for maximum effect
•    Suitable types of painting for specific types of businesses
•    The “right look” to suit your personality
•    The best paintings to choose from that will convey the image you want to project to your customers, friends of family

Dear Sophie,

I recently received my paining which is great.  I just want to know the best way to care for it, what would you suggest?   Tina McGowan, London, Nov 2007

The main cause of damage to oil paintings is the storage or display of paintings in inappropriate environments. For example displaying your painting where there is excessive exposure to light would not be recommended. Paintings should be displayed in dim areas where no direct sunlight is allowed to fall on them. I would also say that the use of lights that are positioned close to the paintings such as the commercially available lights that are mounted to the frame or directly above it should be avoided. Diffused spotlights should be mounted at least 10 feet from the painting to avoid potentially damaging heat buildup.

Damage can also be caused by dirt, so when it comes to cleaning your painting, the best thing to use is a soft brush. Brushes can be used to remove surface dirt on the painting and the frame. If you still find you cannot remove the dirt, then cotton swabs that have been dampened with distilled water can be lightly rolled on the surface.  However, if there is flaking paint then no attempt at cleaning should be made as fragments of paint could be dislodged and swept away.  In this case, I would recommend seeking a trained conservator.