Vintage pair of hand painted oil on board miniatures depicting the swiss alps

Vintage pair of hand painted oil on board miniatures depicting the swiss alps displayed in lovely distressed cream and gold frames with original labels on back some minor age related wear ( minor repair to edge of one painting not noticeable)

13 cm wide 12 cm tall 2 cm depth

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Peerart Products was a British decorative art and furnishings company founded in 1904 by Herbert Halstead and his uncles in Colne, Lancashire, initially as a framing business under the name J. Pearson & Co.. The company grew significantly over several decades, becoming a major producer and exporter of framed paintings (like landscapes and still lifes), mirrors, and other household accessories. Peerart commissioned artists to create original works for their decorative frames, which were popular for home and hotel decor during the mid-20th century.

Company Origins and Growth

Founding (1904): The business began in an attic in Colne, Lancashire, as J. Pearson & Co., creating frames.

Expansion: It evolved into a large-scale operation producing various decorative items for both domestic and export markets, eventually becoming known as Peerart Products.

Family Business: The company remained a family business for several decades.

Product Range

Framed Art: A core product was framed paintings and prints, often featuring florals, landscapes, and street scenes.

Mirrors: They also produced decorative mirrors, including barbola framed mirrors, in various styles such as Florentine and Rococo.

Home Goods: The company also made other household goods and accessories, such as fire screens.

Artists and Collectibility

Commissioned Artists: Peerart hired artists like Margot and Kothera to produce original works specifically for their frames.

Decorative vs. Fine Art: Many of these "Peerart" artists are considered unlisted, meaning their work was primarily intended for decorative purposes rather than as high-value fine art.

Collectibility: While not typically high-value, Peerart works are now collected as decorative items from the mid-20th century, particularly the original paintings with their associated frames.