George III Coat of Arms
In the summer of 2022, we commenced the conservation and reframing of this wonderful 17th century Royal Coat of Arms from the Church of All Saints, Sawley.
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Detail following treatment
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Before and after treatment
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Removal of dirt and frass from reverse of canvas
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Four stages of the cleaning process
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Removal of varnish
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XRF analysis of pigments
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Adhering Beva film prior to strip lining
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Detail before and after retouching
The canvas was attached to a backing board of nine sawn planks that had suffered extensive damage from the common furniture beetle and was no longer structurally stable. Therefore, a new secondary support (strainer frame) was required with a layer of loose lining to provide additional support for the large canvas.
Following surface cleaning and varnish removal, localised areas of flaking paint were consolidated and any deformations in the canvas were flattened using moisture and heat treatment. A sail cloth strip lining was adhered to the reverse of the canvas, and the painting was then re-stretched and secured to the new strainer on the loose lining canvas. Any losses in the paint surface were filled and retouched before the application of a final vanish. The joints of the original frame were repaired, and the frame cleaned and retouched, before securing the painting with brass strips.