News

Letterpress
An Introduction to the Craft of Letterpress Printing
Letterpress printing is an age-old technique that has stood the test of time and technology. It is a relief printing process of printing text and images using a press with raised plates. The practice of letterpress printing has a fascinating history and has been used for centuries to create beautiful and timeless works of art, from books to posters and beyond. This blog will delve into the origins, the method and examples of letterpress printing.

Art
An Introduction to Trompe l'Oeil paintings
Trompe l'oeil is a unique painting technique that captures its subject in exquisite detail and gives viewers the sensation of looking at it three-dimensionally rather than two-dimensional paint on canvas. Artists use this technique to challenge our perception by creating visual illusions that blur the line between reality and art. From a painted piece of fruit that looks delicious enough to eat to an intricately crafted piece of paper that appears to have actual curls, Trompe l'oeil makes us question the very concept of what is real, causing us to explore the boundary between the painted world and our own.

Engraving
An Introduction to the Literary Illustrations of Gustave Doré
Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré, or Gustav Doré, was an incredibly talented and influential artist best known for creating iconic illustrations to accompany famous texts. He was a prolific artist, and his body of work is estimated to number 10,000 pieces. His drawings, etchings and paintings have been admired worldwide for centuries. Read more about this prolific artist and his fascinating creative practice.

Achilles
Gruesome Tales from Greek Mythology
The captivating tales of Greek and Roman mythology have enthralled people for generations. The timeless adventures of gods, mortals and legendary creatures have inspired artists and creators over the centuries. In this post, we delve into some of the most gruesome and fascinating tales from Greek mythology, focusing on the legends of Prometheus, Achilles, and Cronos, which includes some exceptionally detailed illustrations from our title; Greek and Roman Mythology, an Image Archive for Artists and Designers.

Art
Using Perspective in Art: A Creative Guide to Visualising Reality
Understanding and experimenting with perspective in art opens up a world of creative possibilities. From using linear perspective to create accurate representations to playing with impossible constructions for a surreal twist, mastering perspective can take your artwork to new heights.

Borders
Why Are Borders Important in Design?
Illustrated borders and frames have inspired artists and designers for centuries, from Medieval manuscripts through the Renaissance and Baroque periods and beyond. This article discusses the importance of borders in design and examines some beautiful Medieval examples of borders, frames and decorative design.

Death
Discover The Mysteries of Haunted Paintings
What makes a painting well known? It could be the subject or the artist who created it. It may be part of a notable collection or have a historical significance—however, some paintings are well known because there are mysterious circumstances surrounding them. Read on to learn about some fascinating pictures people believe are haunted - with one painting's mystery revealed in a very ordinary explanation.

anatomy
An Introduction to Death Customs in Ancient Egypt
Death in ancient Egypt was an inevitable part of life and a gateway to the afterlife. Many people prepared the deceased for what awaited them in the world beyond, especially if they were royalty. This article will discuss the mummification process for preparing the human body for the afterlife and the contents of royal tombs. Because we love spooky mysteries, we will also discuss the infamous curse of King Tutankhamun's tomb. Read on to explore the intriguing world of Egyptian mortuary customs!

Ancient Greece
The History of Popular Monsters and Beasts
Tales of fantastical creatures such as dragons, mythical beasts and legendary monsters have captivated people's imaginations worldwide for centuries. In this blog post, we'll explore the stories behind some legendary creatures and examine some fascinating illustrations from our pictorial archives; Dragons and Mythical Creatures, Monsters and Beasts and Greek and Roman Mythology.Read on to learn more!