William Shayer Art

Purchasing original art by William Shayer can be a rewarding pursuit for collectors, especially those who frequent estate and yard sales in search of hidden treasures. This blog post provides an expert’s guide on identifying, evaluating, handling, and appreciating William Shayer’s works, contemporary artists to look for, and tips for caring for valuable oil paintings.

Life and Legacy of William Shayer

William Shayer (1787-1879) remains a celebrated British landscape and genre painter whose works capture the vibrancy of rural and coastal life in 19th-century England. Born in Southampton, Shayer began by painting decorations on rush-bottom chairs and carriages before progressing to heraldic artistry and ultimately oil painting. His mastery of glaze layering set his artwork apart, contributing depth and luminosity to his rural scenes featuring gamekeepers, gypsies, and bustling markets. Shayer exhibited extensively, showing hundreds of works at prestigious venues like the Royal Academy and Society of British Artists, while his collaborations with contemporaries and the artistic tradition continuing through his sons solidified his legacy as a cornerstone of Victorian English art. Shayer's enduring popularity among collectors and museums today attests to the lasting impact of his versatile, atmospheric compositions.

Identifying Authentic Shayer Artworks

To spot an original William Shayer, look for works signed “Wm Shayer Sr” or similar signatures, usually at the lower left or right of the canvas. Shayer’s paintings often depict lively coastal scenes, market days, gamekeepers, and rural life with a distinctive mastery of light and detail. Pay attention to provenance—labels from reputable galleries or auction houses like Christie’s, or documentation indicating previous ownership, can offer traceable authenticity. Compare confirmed examples before making a purchase, and consult reference materials such as the Benezit Dictionary of Artists for further insight.

Evaluating Condition and Value

Condition significantly impacts the value of Shayer’s art. Paintings should be examined for original paint surfaces, minimal restoration, and integrity of canvas or panel. Minor restorations are common and can be acceptable if done professionally, but extensive repairs or heavy overpainting diminish the artwork’s desirability. Frames, while often replaced, should ideally be period-appropriate. Price guides and recent auction results offer a benchmark for value, but it’s wise to seek a professional appraisal for pieces that appear promising—auctions and fine art sales are a good reference point for tracking realized prices.

Transporting Large and Valuable Paintings

Large antique paintings require special care in transportation. If found at an estate sale, avoid placing pressure on the canvas and never lift by the frame’s top edge. Use acid-free blankets for wrapping, secure the painting upright for transport, and avoid excessive heat or humidity. When possible, professional art movers or shippers should be employed, especially for works of substantial value or size. Taking these precautions helps maintain the integrity and value of the artwork during transit.

Proper Care and Display of Antique Oil Paintings

Once acquired, antique oil paintings require thoughtful care. Display them in environments with stable temperature and humidity, avoiding areas with direct sunlight or excessive moisture which may cause cracking or fading. Dust gently with a soft brush and avoid cleaning agents, as these can permanently damage the surface. Regular checkups by a conservator are recommended to ensure continued preservation. Proper display—secure mounting, ideal lighting, and unobtrusive framing—enhances both the longevity and presentation of valuable oil paintings.