Henry Alken, Jnr (1810 – 1894)
London to Dover Mai Oil on panel
27 x 51cm
Acc. No: 1655

Previous condition: The painting had a strong crack pattern running vertically down the panel and the edges of those cracks were lifting. Small losses had already occurred in these areas. The panel (0,6cm thick) indicated that the painting had been previously restored, as there were two open weave material pieces adhered to the back. The overall condition of the panel was good and it is not clear why this treatment had been carried out. A layer of surface dirt and discoloured varnish covered the whole surface.

Treatment: The raised cracks were treated and consolidated. Following tests the surface dirt and discoloured varnish were removed. An isolating conservation brush varnish was applied. The larger cracks were filled and the losses were in-painted using restoration colours. A final varnish was applied and the painting was secured in the frame using brass plates. This treatment was carried out in 2004.