Spring Lecture Series

The presentation will discuss the recent relining of van Dyck’s Equestrian Portrait of Charles I. This is a large picture, measuring approximately 3.7m X 3.0m, and was relined with an equivalent of BEVA 371, Lascaux Heatseal Adhesive 375, using a vacuum envelope technique. The logistics of moving such a large painting during the course of the treatment, the construction of the envelope and the problems associated with this lining method will be discussed. The treatment was sponsored by the Getty’s Canvas Paintings Initiative and involved the participation of seven conservators from other European and American institutions.

Paul Ackroyd’s initial training in conservation was at the Gateshead Technical College, Newcastle from 1980-2. From 1982-6 he undertook a Tate Gallery Studentship in paintings conservation, a training scheme run in conjunction with the Courtauld Institute of Art. Since 1986 he has been a conservator at the National Gallery, London, carrying out the cleaning and restoration of paintings as well as structural conservation treatments. His research interests are in the technical art history of paintings, primarily those in the National Gallery’s collection, and the structural conservation of canvas pictures.