Antiquities – A Passion For the Past

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Antichità Bologna are items that span the timeline of human civilizations. They include art and relics from classical antiquity, prehistory and the ancient Near East and range from Greek sculpture to medieval manuscripts.

Antiques

Dealers of antiques must perform due diligence in order to ensure that their merchandise is not faked or stolen. This includes checking against a database of lost or stolen objects and using their own connoisseurship to uncover suspicious items.

Whether it’s fine art, antique furniture or collectables, a passion for the past fuels the pursuit of these valuable objects. Antiques can be found at garage and yard sales, estate auctions, resort towns with antique districts or collectors’ clubs. They can be bought to use or resell for profit.

Unlike new items that depreciate over time, antiques often increase in value, making them a popular investment. Some people also buy antiques to add character to their homes or as gifts for loved ones. The term antique is a broad one and can encompass anything from an ancient stone tool to a piece of 19th century mahogany furniture. It can even include a modern item that has been painted or distressed to look antique.

An expert who specializes in identifying, selling or caring for antiques is an antiquarian. The word has been used since the 17th century, when antiquarians were interested in collecting works of art and objects from the ancient world. Today’s antiquarians are often considered art dealers, as they sell both contemporary and antique pieces of art and furniture.

Susan and Julie are both art historians and antique enthusiasts. They have created a shop where you can spend hours shopping, chatting and learning. It’s a true gem in the heart of the Whiteface Region.

Under founding editor Isolde Motley, and later under editor Jeff Schaire, Art & Antiques was a weekly magazine that broke important news in the antiques trade while offering an array of articles on the arts and decorative arts. Art & Antiques was among the first to focus on major collectors, a tradition that continues to this day in other publications.

Authenticity

Authenticity is a term that describes something as genuine, true, or original. Authenticity is especially important when it comes to art or antiques, since they may be worth a lot of money if they are authentic. For example, if an antique ring was once worn by Marie Antoinette, then it would be very valuable. It is important that the ring is real, and that it has been authenticated by experts.

During the 14th century, there was a boom in collecting antiquities, fueled by the discovery of such treasures as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. By the end of the 16th century, this enthusiasm had waned, but a new collector’s movement emerged, spurred by scholarly publications such as Cao Zhao’s Geguyaolun (1388; “Essential Criteria for the Purchase and Collection of Antiquities”). By the 17th century, it was fashionable to have an extensive collection of antiquities, which could be displayed in a private library or study.

In recent years, the idea of authenticity has become a prevalent topic in philosophical discussions, particularly regarding ethics and social life. For example, some scholars have argued that authenticity is a virtue, and that it is a means to achieve other moral goods like autonomy and self-direction.

Others have been critical of the idea of authenticity, arguing that it is often based on faulty assumptions about human nature. They have suggested that the dichotomies it promotes, such as conformity versus individualism, or self-directedness versus other-directedness, are misleading.

The Department of Antiquities has internationally renowned archaeological collections from the ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Classical Greece, Cyprus, Minoan Aegean, and the Roman world. It also holds the Museum’s Founding Collection and historic archives. Please note that the Department’s Reading Room is closed from August to September 2025, as it embarks on a major collections project.

London

Despite geopolitical shifts, the world’s longest-established, most advanced and highly-regulated antiquities trade continues to thrive in London. The trade is a forward-thinking organisation, constantly updating its codes of practice and collaborating with museums and institutions on research, conservation and education. By purchasing antiques from a reputable dealer you are assisting in the preservation of heritage that otherwise would be lost and providing vital funds to the trade.

The first settlers of this cosmopolitan city began to form their own culture and develop trade networks in the 43rd century CE, when the Romans established Londinium on its shores. Its strategic position along the River Thames facilitated both commerce and defence, and it soon became a key trading hub.

Over time, the city expanded outwards and grew into the cultural, financial and political powerhouse we know today. Its modern development is a unique combination of historical and contemporary, with the City of London’s ancient walls and medieval streets sitting alongside skyscrapers, high-tech offices and iconic landmarks.

Geographically, it is positioned within a temperate maritime climate zone with long summers and mild winters. Its latitude makes it a key port for international trade and the capital of a global culture that attracts people from all over the world to live, work and visit.

This linguistic diversity is reflected in the ancient objects that are available for sale here, from Celtic brooches to Tang Dynasty statues and medieval manuscripts. Many of these are also on display in London’s museums and galleries, proving that artefacts were used for many different purposes in ancient times: from aesthetic appreciation to daily use.

Conservation and Restoration

Antiquities are valuable and precious, but even the most well-cared for artifacts can deteriorate over time. Conservation is the process of using a variety of technical processes to stop or slow down that deterioration. It is a different process than restoration, which aims to return an object or painting back to its original state, such as swapping out modern tires for older ones on an antique bike. Restoration can often result in the loss of historical integrity.

Museum professionals use preventative conservation to minimize and slow down deterioration. This includes storing objects in controlled and stabilized conditions, minimizing exposure to light and humidity, and preventing other contaminants from damaging an object. It is the least invasive form of preservation and does not change an object’s appearance. Preventive conservation is also what keeps museums open for future generations to enjoy.

Restoration, on the other hand, can dramatically change an object’s appearance and is usually performed by conservators who want to restore an artwork or object to its presumed or earlier state of condition. While this is a noble goal, it can often erase the physical historic markers of an object’s use and may damage or degrade other objects and materials.

Selective preservation and restoration is a complicated issue that can have profound political, economic, and cultural impacts. It can be used as a tool for nationalism and empire building, such as Erdogan’s decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, or to support a particular agenda within a specific historical context, like in the case of Hamilton’s collection of antiquities. It’s important to understand the difference between these terms so that we can make informed decisions about how an antiquities collection should be cared for in the future.

Responsible Stewardship

Antiques serve as tangible links to different eras and cultures, sparking curiosity, admiration and heritage. Their rich historical context transforms a piece of furniture into more than a functional object; it becomes a cherished part of a collector’s cultural legacy. These stories create a connection beyond the item’s monetary value, encouraging stewardship and responsibility.

A detailed provenance can significantly boost an antique’s monetary value. It also adds authenticity and credibility, establishing an item’s integrity. Auction houses and private sales often see higher bids for items with a proven history. This is especially true if the provenance reveals that an item once belonged to a famous historical figure.

Many collectors choose to buy antiques because of their craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, but the broader impact of an antique’s provenance is significant. It supports responsible consumption and contributes to a circular economy, reducing the demand for resource-intensive new production. Choosing antiques over new items also helps reduce indoor air pollution by avoiding harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, which are frequently found in modern furniture.

As a collector, you have the power to make a difference when it comes to responsible stewardship of your art and antiques. By ensuring that your collection is insured with comprehensive coverage options and proper documentation, you are protecting your cultural, financial, and emotional investment. This will enable you to make informed decisions when it comes to gifting your artwork, selling your art or donating it to family members, and will ensure that you are compensated for the full market value in the event of a loss. Additionally, insurance provides peace of mind and is a requirement for many lenders and exhibition venues.

Cabinet Refinishing – Why It’s Better Than Replacing Your Cabinets

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Cabinets play a major role in the look and feel of your kitchen. When it comes to transforming your cabinets, you have several options to choose from including refinishing and refacing.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet Refinishing Sacramento offers a variety of customization options, like paint colors and finishes. However, you should keep in mind that trends can change quickly and your new finish will need to be protected with a durable sealant.

When you choose to refinish your cabinets, you’ll spend significantly less money than you would if you were to replace them. This is because cabinet refinishing saves you the cost of buying new cabinets and removing the old ones, as well as paying for labor and any other expenses that come along with a full-on replacement project.

In addition to saving you money, refinishing is also environmentally friendly. Tearing out your old cabinets and replacing them with new ones creates a significant amount of waste, including materials that are hazardous to the environment when they end up in landfills. When you refinish your cabinets, however, you are able to keep your existing structure and only throw away any material that’s no longer in good condition.

As an added bonus, refinishing also minimizes the amount of dust and mess that’s generated during a remodeling project. During refacing, you’ll need to remove and install new cabinet doors and hardware, which can result in significant amounts of dust and debris being spread around your home. When you refinish, meanwhile, most of the work is done within your cabinet boxes themselves, which keeps the bulk of the mess and dust to a minimum.

While refinishing and refacing offer a number of similar benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between them in order to determine which option is best for you. Refinishing only involves reworking the surface of your cabinets, while refacing includes the replacement of cabinet doors and hardware as well as adding a veneer over your existing box structure.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s crucial to hire experienced professionals for your cabinet refinishing project. They’ll be able to apply a high-quality finish that resists moisture and offers long-lasting protection against wear. They’ll also use sustainable and low-VOC materials, which help to minimize the environmental impact of your renovation project. To find the best professional cabinet painters for your project, ask for references from past clients and check their credentials. They should be licensed, insured, and certified in their field of expertise.

It’s Time-Saving

Cabinets play a crucial role in the overall functionality and aesthetic of a kitchen. When it comes time to update your cabinets, there are a couple of options available: refacing or refinishing. Both offer unique benefits, but refinishing is an excellent choice for a number of reasons.

First, the process is considerably quicker than refacing. Refacing requires removing all the doors, hinges, and handles as well as the entire cabinet structure and reinstalling them with new materials. This can be a huge project that takes weeks to complete. Refinishing, on the other hand, only involves refinishing the existing surface of the cabinetry without any major structural changes. This can be completed in just a day or two, making it a much more efficient option.

Additionally, refinishing is environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste by conserving the existing cabinetry. In contrast, replacing the cabinets would require the disposal of quality hardwood and a significant amount of natural resources to manufacture and install new ones.

Refinishing is also a great way to update the style of your cabinets without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a modern, bold, or traditional look, you can easily achieve it with the right stain color or paint. Alternatively, you can even add a custom detail, like crown molding, to create an entirely new design.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when refinishing your cabinets is proper maintenance. While it’s tempting to use strong chemicals to get rid of stubborn stains or grime, you should avoid doing so as these substances can strip the finish and cause it to dull or discolor over time. In addition, it’s a good idea to use gentle cleaning products that are safe for wood.

While refinishing your cabinets can be a DIY project, hiring professionals can save you both time and hassle while providing a flawless finish that will enhance your home’s value and aesthetic. Professionals have the specialized equipment and expertise required to accomplish the task with precision and efficiency that is difficult to match. They also utilize high-quality products that are formulated for durability and longevity.

It’s Customizable

Cabinet refinishing allows you to customize the finish of your cabinets without the costs associated with replacing them. This process can be used to create a more modern or traditional look. It can be done with a variety of materials, including glazes, paints and stains. The finish you choose can be customized to match your other kitchen design elements, such as the countertops, backsplash, floors and appliances.

A lot of people like the layout of their current cabinets but dislike the color or finish. This is a perfect scenario for refinishing. Refinishing can make your cabinets look brand new without the cost and hassle of replacing them. It also preserves the original structure of your cabinets and is environmentally friendly. It prevents your cabinets from ending up in a landfill and reduces waste by reusing the existing material.

Refinishing can also be used to fix minor problems. For example, if your cabinets have begun to chip due to normal wear and tear or from being mishandled, a fresh coat of paint can repair these chips and give them a smoother appearance. Additionally, if your cabinets are starting to fade due to exposure to direct sunlight or from being used often, a fresh coat of paint can help them stay looking vibrant and brand new.

Another benefit of cabinet refinishing is that it can be done in less time than replacement. A full cabinet replacement project can take weeks to complete and will disrupt your daily routines. However, a cabinet refinishing project can be completed in a matter of days and will allow you to use your kitchen again much sooner.

Cabinet refinishing is also more customizable than replacement. For instance, you can use a glaze on your cabinets to create shading and texture. Using a glaze can create a rustic, country, or contemporary look. You can even combine two glaze colors to create a more dramatic effect.

Moreover, you can stain your cabinets instead of painting them if you prefer the natural wood grain. Staining can add a rich, classic look to your cabinets and is available in a wide range of tones from light oak to deep espresso.

It’s Easy to Do

If you want to change the look of your kitchen without spending a fortune, cabinet refinishing is an affordable option that can make a big difference. It’s also a greener choice than replacing your cabinets, as you’re using existing materials instead of creating new ones. The only downside to refinishing is that it takes more time and effort than replacing your cabinets, but the results are worth the work!

To begin, you’ll need to remove all the drawer faces and door fronts from your cabinets. Then, you’ll need to clean and prep the surfaces for painting. This process involves sanding and applying a primer to the cabinets, which helps the paint adhere well. Once the primer is dry, you can apply your chosen color of paint to your cabinet doors and drawer faces. If you’re going for a bold or dramatic look, be sure to use high-quality paint that dries quickly. Then, let the cabinets dry completely before installing them back in your kitchen.

Before refinishing your cabinet doors, you can choose to glaze them for a more traditional look. This step can be quite time-consuming, but it’s also a good way to add an extra touch of depth and dimension to your cabinetry. You’ll need to scrub and wipe the cabinets with a degreasing solution to ensure that any dirt or grease is removed, and then apply the glaze and let it dry. Finally, you can reinstall the cabinet doors and drawer faces, but be sure to label them so that you know which panel goes where.

Another advantage of refacing your cabinets is that it’s a much faster and easier process than replacing them. This is because the majority of the work is done to the exterior of your cabinet boxes, which can be completed in a shorter timeframe than replacing them. The process also involves less mess and dust in your home, as most of the construction work is contained to the cabinet surfaces themselves. This can be a relief if you’re looking to minimize disruption in your daily routine!

Expert Painting Services to Transform and Refresh Your Spaces

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Painting is one of the most effective ways to enhance the appearance, atmosphere, and value of any space. Whether it’s a residential home, commercial property, or outdoor area, expert painting services offer a professional touch that elevates aesthetics and ensures long-lasting results. A fresh coat of paint can transform rooms, reflect personal style, and protect surfaces, making painting services an essential component of home improvement and property maintenance.

painting

The Importance of Professional Painting Services

While painting may seem like a simple task, achieving high-quality results requires skill, precision, and experience. Professional painters bring knowledge of materials, techniques, and finishes to every project. They understand how to prepare surfaces properly, choose suitable paints, and apply coatings evenly for a polished and durable finish.

Professional painting services save time, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes. By addressing both aesthetic and functional considerations, skilled painters ensure that spaces not only look appealing but also maintain their quality over time.

Interior Painting for a Fresh Look

Interior painting is one of the most popular ways to refresh and modernize living or working spaces. Expert painters provide a range of services to meet diverse needs:

Walls and Ceilings

The walls and ceilings of any room define its character and mood. A professional paint job can enhance light, create a sense of space, and complement furniture and décor. Experts can recommend color schemes, textures, and finishes that align with the intended ambiance.

Trim, Molding, and Doors

Details such as baseboards, crown molding, and doors add character and sophistication to interiors. Skilled painters ensure these elements are painted neatly and consistently, enhancing the overall look and professionalism of a space.

Specialty Finishes

Advanced painting techniques, including faux finishes, textured coatings, and accent walls, add uniqueness and depth to interiors. Professionals have the tools and expertise to execute these designs flawlessly, transforming ordinary rooms into visually striking environments.

Exterior Painting for Curb Appeal

Exterior painting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a property but also provides essential protection against the elements. Weather, UV exposure, and moisture can damage surfaces over time, leading to peeling, fading, and structural issues. Professional exterior painting services offer:

  • Surface Preparation – Cleaning, sanding, and priming ensure paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
  • Protective Coatings – High-quality exterior paints provide resistance against weathering, moisture, and fading.
  • Color Consultation – Experts help select colors that complement architectural features, landscaping, and surrounding environments.

A well-painted exterior improves curb appeal, makes a property more inviting, and can significantly increase its market value.

Commercial Painting Services

Painting is equally important for commercial spaces, where aesthetics impact customer perception, employee morale, and brand identity. Professional painting services for commercial properties include:

  • Office Spaces – Clean, well-maintained interiors create a productive and professional atmosphere.
  • Retail and Hospitality – Colors and finishes can influence customer behavior and enhance brand recognition.
  • Industrial and Large-Scale Projects – Skilled painters handle large or complex spaces efficiently, ensuring safety and consistency across all areas.

Commercial painting services combine efficiency, quality, and attention to detail to support business objectives while maintaining attractive and functional spaces.

Maintenance and Touch-Ups

Maintaining painted surfaces is essential for prolonging their lifespan and keeping spaces looking fresh. Professional painters offer ongoing maintenance services, including:

  • Touch-Ups – Repairing scuffs, scratches, and minor damage to preserve aesthetics.
  • Repainting – Periodic repainting to restore color vibrancy and protect surfaces.
  • Protective Treatments – Applying sealants or coatings to safeguard high-traffic areas or exposed surfaces.

Regular maintenance ensures that both interior and exterior surfaces remain visually appealing and structurally protected, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Benefits of Hiring Expert Painting Services

Engaging professional painting services provides numerous advantages over DIY projects:

  1. Expertise and Skill – Professionals deliver precise, uniform results with clean lines and smooth finishes.
  2. Time Efficiency – Experienced painters complete projects quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.
  3. Proper Equipment – Professionals use high-quality tools, paints, and techniques that are often unavailable to homeowners.
  4. Long-Lasting Results – Expert preparation and application increase the durability of paint, reducing the frequency of repainting.
  5. Enhanced Property Value – Fresh, professionally applied paint boosts both aesthetic appeal and property market value.

Planning a Successful Painting Project

A successful painting project requires careful planning and preparation. Key considerations include:

  • Surface Assessment – Identifying areas that require repair, sanding, or priming before painting.
  • Color Selection – Choosing colors that align with personal style, existing décor, or brand identity.
  • Material Quality – Selecting high-quality paints and finishes suitable for specific surfaces and conditions.
  • Professional Consultation – Seeking guidance from experts ensures a cohesive plan, efficient execution, and superior results.

Proper planning minimizes disruptions, prevents errors, and ensures that the finished project meets or exceeds expectations.

Expert painting services are an invaluable investment for transforming and refreshing any space. Whether enhancing interiors, improving exterior curb appeal, or completing commercial projects, skilled painters provide precision, creativity, and durability. By combining professional techniques, quality materials, and attention to detail, painting services elevate aesthetics, protect surfaces, and increase property value.

Investing in professional painting not only creates visually stunning spaces but also ensures long-lasting results, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances comfort and appeal. From color consultation to meticulous preparation and flawless application, expert painters turn ordinary spaces into vibrant, polished environments that reflect style, care, and attention to detail.

Whether undertaking a residential makeover, a commercial renovation, or routine maintenance, professional painting services provide the expertise and reliability needed to achieve beautiful, lasting transformations.