"Keep the Darkness Alive"
“How to look after your piece so it outlives you (and your décor choices)”
Congratulations. You now own a piece of original charcoal art. It’s dramatic, it’s emotional, and it’s delicate. Here’s how to stop it turning into a smudgy ghost of its former self.
Handling
Always handle by the edges or frame. Charcoal sits on the surface of the paper like a nervous cat—touch it and it will shift. Clean, dry hands. No moisturiser. No sandwiches.
Development
Frame behind glass or acrylic as soon as possible. Use a mount (passe-partout) to keep the glass from pressing directly against the artwork. Charcoal needs to breathe, but it doesn't need fingerprints.
UV-Protective Glass
Worth the extra cost. Sunlight will fade charcoal over time, and nothing ruins a dark piece faster than a sun tan. Think of it as sunscreen for your art.
Hanging
Avoid direct sunlight, damp walls, and rooms with wild temperature swings. Bathrooms are a terrible idea unless you enjoy watching your investment curl up and weep. Living rooms, studies, and dimly lit corridors are ideal.
Cleaning the Glass
Clean the glass, not the art. Spray your cloth, not the frame. Water and charcoal are ancient enemies.
Long-Term Storage
If not framed, store flat between acid-free tissue in a cool, dry place. Never roll charcoal work. It will crack. It will sulk. It will never forgive you.
The Smudge Myth
Yes, charcoal smudges. That's its charm. But once properly fixed and framed, it's remarkably stable. I've seen charcoal drawings from the 1800s that look like they were finished yesterday. Treat yours right and it'll haunt your descendants too.
Look after it. It looked after me while I was making it.
So you've looked around. You've seen the shadows.
You’ve seen the shadows. And now you’re thinking… what if that darkness was mine? Perhaps you want a portrait that captures someone exactly as you see them. I take on a limited number of commissions each year so book your slot ASAP.