Conservation in Action – Gainsborough in Focus
See conservators working on two paintings by 18th-century artist Thomas Gainsborough.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
On Saturday 8 August, visitors to the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio will be able to watch conservators at work on two paintings by Thomas Gainsborough (1727–1788), a leading figure in 18th century British landscape art. The paintings currently undergoing cleaning and conservation are ‘A setter seated in a landscape’ and ‘Cattle at a fountain’, and are usually on display at Petworth House in West Sussex.
The treatment involves removing old, yellowed varnish and historic overpaint that have dulled the works over time. As part of the project, conservators are also carrying out technical analysis, giving us a rare chance to explore Gainsborough’s techniques and the materials he used.
On 8 August conservators will lift aged varnish from ‘The Setter’ and carry out delicate inpainting to address historic drying cracks in the landscape. Volunteers will be available to talk through the process, answer questions, and share some of the fascinating discoveries made during the project.
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This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
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