Projects
Conservation/restoration of the oil painting ‘Harry Kebel Smith in Boer War’ by Jennett Collins
Conservation/restoration of the oil painting ‘Harry Kebel Smith Wounded in Boer War’ by Jennett Collins, painted in the early 1900s; size of painting without frame: H30.4cm x W45.6cm. Tears and paint/ground losses were caused by a recent accidental impact. The painting was grimy. The canvas had slackened and the tacks were widely spread apart. A small bulge was present. The thin and patchy varnish coat was slightly discoloured. There were lacunae, abrasions and a scratch along the edges.
The varnish coat and the back of the canvas and stretcher were surface cleaned. The compact dust between the canvas and bottom stretcher member was removed. Extra tacks were added to the tacking margins, the canvas was tensioned and the wedges secured. The bulge and tears were moisture treated to flatten the canvas. The tears were mended and patched. The lacunae were filled and retouched. The painting was brush and spray varnished. A detailed treatment report with before, during and after treatment photographs was provided.
