Conservation

The Society’s paintings conservation programme continues with the completion of the restoration of two more historic pictures from the collections. Thanks to a bequest from the late John Coales FSA and the generosity of the Francis Coales Charitable Foundation a rare painted canvas funeral monument to Margery Smith of Scampton, Lincolnshire, painted in 1615 has recently been restored to its former glory. 

A newly conserved portrait of one of our past Vice-Presidents Joseph Hunter FSA (1783-1861) now hangs in the Fellows Room, thanks to a grant from the Aurelius Charitable Trust. The Hunter Archaeological Society based around South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire is named after him. 

There are still several significant paintings in the Society’s collection that need conservation. The most urgent of these is an important panel portrait of the antiquary William Burton (1575-1645), author of ‘The Description of Leicestershire’ first published in 1622. Painted in 1604, the portrait (pictured left) is the earliest surviving likeness of him, but is currently in store because it is just too fragile to display. The total cost of conservation is estimated at £9,500, and thanks to an appeal organized by Gerard de Lisle, FSA and the Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society and a grant from the Association of Independent Museums nearly £7,000 has already been raised.

"We’re very grateful to the individuals and trusts who have contributed so far. But I am concerned at the fragile state of our portrait of William Burton and hope it won’t be too long before it can go to the conservation studio." Heather Rowland, Head of Library & Collections.

If you would like to know more about the conservation programme and other paintings that require treatment, or would like to make a donation then please contact Heather Rowland.