First brought to Europe centuries ago, the word ‘turquoise’ is a derivative of the French for ‘Turkish stone’. Turquoise describes a gemstone, mineral and hue steeped in history and has been greatly significant throughout the timeline of the decorative arts. A colour of magic and mysticism, our love for turquoise is unsurprising and so, in...
Continue readingWhen 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 readingIn 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 readingToday 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 readingOver 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 readingFor 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 readingHere 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 readingAs 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 readingWe 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 readingAs 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...
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