The Contrasting Roles of Candles and Matches in Art

23rd June

  When we think about beautiful interior design, an object often used to bring an air of romance and enchantment to a space is the elegant tapered candle. In a day and age filled with ever-evolving technology, which insists on us striving for modernism, there is something about a graceful candle that reminds us of...

Continue reading

The History of Art Academies

5th May

In 16th century Renaissance Italy, the status of the artist became significantly elevated above that of the craftsman. This was achieved via the formation of the art academy. Prior to these official academies of art, painters, sculptors, draughtsman and other design based professions were grouped together in medieval guilds. As artists sought to gain respect...

Continue reading

Celebrating the Birthday of Vincent van Gogh

30th March

Today we are celebrating the life and work of one of the world’s most prominent post-impressionist painters, Vincent van Gogh. Born on the 30th of March 1853, Van Gogh grew up in Zundert, a town in the Netherlands, before moving between many more cities in Western Europe as a young adult. Destined to become one...

Continue reading

Defining Techniques: The History of Impasto

3rd March

Over the course of art history, we have seen the rise and fall in favoured styles, subject matter and techniques. One particular technique, however, has only increased in popularity as time has gone by. This technique is known as impasto. Meaning ‘mixture’ or ‘dough’ in Italian, impasto describes a way in which an artist applies...

Continue reading

A Celebration of the Sea

11th February

For the longest time, sea life has been a subject which has fascinated scientists and artists alike, who, through observation and analysis, have tried to understand more about the mystical creatures that reside in water. In Ancient Minoan civilisation, the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics was copious.  Its production and acquisition was seen as a...

Continue reading

Hot Water Bottles in Art History

14th January

  Here at Blue & White Company, we are true believers that on a winter’s day there is nothing cosier than curling up with a cup of tea and a hot water bottle to combat the cold, or simply snuggling a hot water bottle and immersing yourself in a good book – whatever your age!...

Continue reading

Celebrating the Birthday of Henri Matisse

31st December

As we enter the new year of 2024, we can also celebrate the birthday of French artist, printmaker and sculptor, Henri Matisse. Born on 31st of December 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambresis in Northern France, Matisse is one of the best known and most influential artists in western Art History. Henri Matisse, A Brief Biography Henri...

Continue reading

Happy Christmas and New Year!

22nd December

We wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! 🎄 Thank you for all of your custom this year, for sharing the stories of your lives when we meet at events, and for the generous and supportive feedback you provide at fairs and email to us.  It’s been quite...

Continue reading

Sandro Botticelli’s Mystic Nativity

17th December

As Christmas approaches, we thought we would look at one of art history’s more unique depictions of the Nativity scene. Sandro Botticelli’s Mystic Nativity hangs in the National Gallery in London and is a composition filled with symbolism indicative of much more than the classic scene of Christ’s birth. Sandro Botticelli: A Brief Biography Known...

Continue reading

Interview with Sabine Pinon: A World of Pigments

5th November

The pigments found in paintings, sculpture, mosaics, stained glass, ceramics and many other mediums will so often have their own context, connotation and history.  A fundamental part of art history since the beginning of time, the sourcing, mixing and application of pigments through generations, tells us a great deal about the changing world of an...

Continue reading