Debra Dulake

"We were left a few family painting and looked to having them restored, one oil on canvass, one oil of wooden board and one water colour. I researched art restoration and looked at recommendations. Many fine art companies were in London and for us (in the Midlands) that meant travelling with the artwork to he capital. Our oil on canvass picture was in a gold leafed, moulded frame which itself had high value and we didn't wish to risk further damage taking it on the journey. We decided to research closer to home and I started reading reviews and checking websites, I think when you are lacking knowledge of a process it is really difficult to judge if someone is genuine and there was the risk of handing our inheritance pieces to someone who really didn't know what they were doing! After looking at Becksitch Fine Art Framing and Restoration my husband and I decided to visit James and see what he thought he could do. We didn't tell him anything about the paintings to see if he would clarify the 'family story' behind them with his knowledge - he did not disappoint! Our painting on wood he identified as Scottish pine and that tied into the history, he explained how and why the artist used the wood as the material to paint on, seeing his pleasure whilst viewing the piece was great to see and his passion was obvious, he even said he'd hang the piece in his own home. Our water colour was very faded and framed with a card boarder, this piece was so faded it really didn't 'look' much, until James removed the boarder and was able to see the original colours, I remember him calling me to let me know of his 'find' and hearing the excitement in his voice - asking if I'd like him to match the colour and restore the painting to its original glory - how could I say no. Finally, our 'piece de resistence', our oil on canvass of a French church in a 24 carat leafed moulded frame, James explained that oil pictures shouldn't sit behind glass, that the frame was as valuable as the painting and that in his opinion the valuation we had been given by the auction house when dealing with the estate was way out. He recommended if we ever wanted to sell the piece to do it through a specialist auction and to get a few valuations to be sure of its value. He went into detail on how he would clean and restore the painting, the frame and that he would remove the glass. We asked for details on his business insurance and could see the security on the building which is sited next to his grandads bungalow - the man who taught James the family trade. The history of the business is on view so you can see the expertise across the years and the pride that the generations have taken in this very niche market. My husband and I never worried about leaving our family pieces with James, he stayed in touch over the process and we trusted that paying up front ensured his skill and time was paid for as with any other tradesman. The cost was much cheaper than the London rates we had been quoted (and that was only from photos not in person) and we were able to drive 30 minutes to deliver our pieces safely ourselves. We would highly recommend James, his manner, customer service and knowledge is a treasure within itself, please rest assured that he has your artworks best interests at heart and takes pleasure in touching the history of art from the past - our time with him has brought our paintings more to life and have made them even more special for many generations to come. Thank you James

Paul Wilson

“A large contemporary mixed media painting which was hanging on the chimney breast above a wood burning stove was starting to sag and look a bit dull. During my search to find anyone I felt confident in to bring it back to life I contacted Becksitch Fine Art Framing and Restoration. James took time to explain all the processes involved, how long it would take to complete and gave me a very reasonable quote for the work. The final results were literally staggering. The vibrancy of the colours are shining out once again, the painting has certainly been brought back to life. It’s so good to know there are still people out there who truly are the masters of their profession.”

Colin Frier

“My wife had inherited a picture done in pastels of one of her ancestors date 1854. After 170 year the frame was in need of tlc and repair.The moulding on the frame had become chipped and knocked over the years. We took the picture to Becksitch. James explained what would be done to restore the frame and how long it would take. Its not something that can be rushed. The results where worth waiting for. James wove his magic and the frame is now restored, not to look as new, but as agreed very sympathetically, in keeping with its age. Also the original glass was cleaned before being put back in the frame and new acid-free backing paper and mount added to protect the fragile paper of the picture from further deterioration due to the chemicals in the wood of the frame. James also provided a set of photos of the work in progress. Thanks to a professional service we now have a picture hung in pride of place that draws complements on its artistic merit as an early pastel. It should be good for another 150 years.”