Business Details
47 Years
experience
Lacewing Fine Art: Expert Art Restoration & Bespoke Framing
Established in 1979, Lacewing Fine Art has built a distinguished reputation as specialists in fine art restoration, dealing, and bespoke framing. Founded by Noel James, a seasoned artist and teacher, the business offers a personalized service to clients ranging from private collectors to major institutions worldwide. Our expertise spans 17th to 20th-century British and European paintings, watercolours, drawings, and sculpture, with a dedicated restoration studio for paintings, sculpture, and works on paper. We provide museum-quality bespoke framing, including water-gilded, carved, and painted frames, alongside comprehensive valuation services for insurance and probate. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to preserving artistic heritage through meticulous conservation techniques.Clients benefit from discreet assistance with acquisitions, condition reports, and damage assessments, supported by a global network of collectors and galleries. Operating by appointment, we offer home visits for collection and delivery, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Our son Toby James now leads frame restoration and gilding, continuing a legacy of craftsmanship. With a focus on transparency and expertise, we guide clients through every aspect of fine art ownership, from display to restoration. Our work has earned trust across four decades, serving as a testament to our dedication to quality and client-centric service.
Services
Art Restoration
Bespoke Framing
Valuations
Painting Conservation
Sculpture Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in fine art restoration and dealing.
- Our team offers personalized service tailored to individual client needs.
- In-house restoration studio with expertise in paintings, sculpture, and works on paper.
- Bespoke framing service using traditional water-gilding and carving techniques.
- Global network serving private collectors, institutions, and galleries.
Services
Art Restoration
Our art restoration service specialises in reviving paintings, sculpture, and works on paper to their original condition. Using advanced techniques, we address damage from age, environment, or accidents while preserving historical integrity. Clients receive detailed condition reports and tailored restoration plans.
Bespoke Framing
We create handcrafted frames tailored to each artwork's style and period. Our water-gilded, carved, and painted frames enhance visual appeal while ensuring long-term protection. Consultations focus on matching client preferences with the artwork's requirements for optimal presentation.
Valuations
Our valuation service provides accurate assessments for insurance, probate, or sale purposes. Experts analyse provenance, condition, and market trends to deliver comprehensive reports. We also advise on display, storage, and damage mitigation strategies for art collections.
Painting Conservation
Specialist conservation for oil, acrylic, and tempera paintings ensures structural stability and aesthetic preservation. Treatments include cleaning, varnish removal, and lining, performed with reversible materials to maintain authenticity and meet museum standards.
Sculpture Restoration
We restore sculptures using materials and methods matching the original work's era and medium. Our process addresses structural weaknesses, surface degradation, and environmental damage while maintaining the artist's intended form and texture.
People
Noel James
Founder & Fine Art Restorer
Noel James founded Lacewing Fine Art in 1979 after a career as an artist and teacher. He specialises in painting and sculpture conservation, offering expert advice on acquisitions and valuations for insurance or probate.
Toby James
Frame Restoration Specialist
Toby James leads frame restoration and gilding operations. With expertise in traditional carving and water-gilding techniques, he ensures period-appropriate frame creation and repair for Lacewing's clients.
Questions
What services does Lacewing Fine Art offer?
We provide art restoration, bespoke framing, valuations, and conservation services for paintings, sculpture, and works on paper.
How can I get a valuation for my artwork?
Contact us via email or phone to arrange a consultation. We offer valuations for insurance, probate, and sale purposes.
Do you restore antique frames?
Yes, we specialise in restoring and recreating period-appropriate frames using traditional gilding and carving techniques.
Can you help with damaged paintings?
Our team provides comprehensive restoration for damaged paintings, including cleaning, varnish removal, and structural repairs.
Do you visit clients' homes?
We offer home visits by appointment for collection, delivery, and on-site consultations about your artwork.
