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

The Spirit of Christmas Fair 2023

1st October

  We are excited to share that for the first time this year, we are going to join The Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia. It was a wonderful moment as well to see our small company selected as a Spirit Loves brand in their recent marketing campaign! We can’t wait to share our new collections...

Continue reading

Supporting the Military

7th September

We are delighted to be returning this year to Tedworth Park in Wiltshire for the Early Early Christmas Fair in September, to support The Soldiers Charity. This incredible organisation remains at the forefront of supporting soldiers, veterans and their families, within the UK and overseas, by providing life enhancing grants to individuals and their loved...

Continue reading

Defining Techniques: The Use of Chiaroscuro in Art

9th July

The word ‘chiaroscuro’ is an Italian term that directly translates into “light” (chiaro) and “dark” (scuro). It is a technique that has been used by artists dating back to early Greek and Roman art. However, Leornardo da Vinci is frequently credited with ‘bringing Chiaroscuro back’ to the forefront of painting techniques during the Italian Renaissance....

Continue reading