Our gallery was established in 1980 specialising in 18th, 19th and early 20th century pictures. We also restore paintings, watercolours and prints in our studio, and offer quality bespoke picture framing. Our studio undertakes cleaning and restoration of oil paintings, watercolours and engravings.
With nearly 40 years of experience we have gained a fine reputation among picture dealers, as well as institutions including the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and many customers who simply want to improve the appearance of a picture that they have inherited or acquired at auction.We will always provide you with a free initial assessment of the condition of your picture, as well as an estimate of costs for any work that we recommend.
With nearly 40 years of experience we have gained a fine reputation among picture dealers, as well as institutions including the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and many customers who simply want to improve the appearance of a picture that they have inherited or acquired at auction.We will always provide you with a free initial assessment of the condition of your picture, as well as an estimate of costs for any work that we recommend.
Services
Richard Martin Gallery was established on Stoke Road in Gosport on England's south coast in 1980, just a few hundred metres from historic Portsmouth Harbour. The gallery specialises in original 18th, 19th and 20th century watercolours, etchings, engravings, maps and books - mostly on maritime subjects.
We currently have a selection of works by Martin and William Hamilton Snape on view in our gallery. The Richard Martin Gallery have specialised in works by Martin Snape and his brother William Hamilton Snape since the gallery opened in 1980. Should you have a picture by either artist that you would like an opinion on, or that you would like to sell, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Richard Martin Gallery have been providing quality picture framing for over thirty years, serving Gosport, Fareham, Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire area. We fully assemble all frames in our busy studio using high quality materials including solid wood mouldings, acid-free mountboard and excellent quality fittings.
We at the Richard Martin Gallery have been restoring oil paintings, watercolours and prints since opening in 1980. We are the restorer of choice for many picture dealers, and also regularly accept restoration work from private collectors and institutions including The Royal Navy and Royal Navy Submarine Museum.
Reviews (10)
Jon Scoles
Nov 24, 2021
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Our 150 year old framed lithograph (family heirloom) wire hanger recently broke and the picture crashed to the floor damaging the frame and breaking the glass. Given the sentimental value of the picture we researched who might best to repair it and found Richard Martin Gallery. Richard has carried out a superb repair/restoration and it has never looked better whilst in our ownership. His care, attention and skill are first class and we are delighted with what he has achieved.
David Costigan
Nov 16, 2021
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I first came to know Richard Martin and his family while working for a local Charity which owned many artworks, several of which required major restorative work. Subsequently I have availed myself of his services in a private capacity, and amongst several other tasks, his team have coloured a monochrome certificate, cleaned and framed an etching and framed a Peruvian tapestry - photographs of all of which are attached. . Each task has been completed to my entire satisfaction, within the financial and time limits agreed, and the entire family exude a warm and friendly welcome to their premises.
Joseph Vitagliano
Aug 21, 2021
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Over the last few years we have used the Richard Martin Gallery for frame restoration, picture cleaning and framing. The numerous projects we have given to the Gallery have all been completed to an extremely high standard, with the added benefit of a professional dialogue with Richard Martin himself, and the Gallery team (all family members), to arrive at the right outcome for the project you you have in mind.
As an example, we recently bought (2020) an Ivon Hitchens oil painting at auction. Whilst the painting was in its original frame, the frame itself it was badly damaged (flaking and discoloured
As an example, we recently bought (2020) an Ivon Hitchens oil painting at auction. Whilst the painting was in its original frame, the frame itself it was badly damaged (flaking and discoloured
Wendy Wright
May 13, 2021
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I would like to thank Richard and his team for cleaning, restoring and framing four watercolours. They were brought at auction dirty, and looking very sorry but underneath you could see their beauty. Richard has cleaned and framed all four and they are stunning. Attached are before and after pictures of just one. I am really pleased at how they have turned out and well worth the time and cost. Richard is extremely knowledgeable and has spurned on my interest to find more treasures. Thank you and I look forward to seeing the next transformation.
William Nicoll
May 08, 2021
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Excellent service from a friendly family business. Richard and his team renovated a old Victoria Sheep Painting which had originally been commissioned by my family. It was in poor condition but after Richards masterful touches the picture has taken on a new lease of life. We are absolutely delighted. Lovely people to work with as well.
Peter Hollom
Apr 13, 2021
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Richard and Elaine have just restored five watercolour paintings for us. We are delighted with the results, the colours have come to life once more. It’s easy to forget, or not even to know, how good paintings can look, especially with such sympathetic restoration. And by such sympathetic people. Highly recommended.
Richard Clifton-Hadley
Jan 14, 2021
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The Richard Martin Gallery have thoroughly impressed me with their expertise and knowledge. I took a very battered oil painting to them for appraisal to see if it was worth restoring. The painting, which had been in my family for many decades, was from an oak fireplace surround and had suffered over the centuries from smoke and heat damage. Some of the paint was blistered, some had flaked off and the painting was discoloured brown which really obscured any fine detail of the painting. More recent damage included some knife and dart damage! Richard decided that the painting was just about restorable
Ali Willicombe
Oct 04, 2020
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Richard and Elaine recently restored three pictures for us, two of which date from the mid 1800s. They have done the most wonderful job and were even able to restore the original frames. An oil painting affected by craquelure has been miraculously renovated. In addition, a watercolour which was browned and affected by foxing has been revived with treatment which has brought out the beautiful colours and has enabled us to discern details that were previously hidden. Richard suggested a more appropriate frame and mounting which is very pleasing. We have no hesitation in recommending the gallery for
Richard Corser
Aug 10, 2020
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I was very pleased indeed with the quality of the work done on two old family portraits. The standard of restoration was sympathetic, professional and a good deal of care was taken. In addition I had a French antique mirror re-guilded which was also done extremely well. Cannot recommend them highly enough and they have a super shopfront in Gosport.
Gaye Bonser
Aug 09, 2020
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We have recently had a marine watercolour restored. It was quite extensively foxed and we were concerned that we might have seen the best of it. Elaine has worked her magic. We are surprised and delighted with the result. We took the opportunity to have the original glass replaced with a non-reflective UV resistant glass and this has further enhanced the picture.. What a professional outfit !
