(1795 – 1865)
Meeting of the Surrey Staghounds at Ewell
Oil on canvas
56 x 77 cm
Acc. No: 1628

Condition: The overall appearance of the painting had an overall yellowish patina, which indicated the discolouration of the varnish. Because of this, it was not possible to appreciate the artist’s original colours. The painting was structurally sound. However, it had been lined approximately 100 years ago. The Iziko SA National Gallery received the Bailey collection in 1940 and conservation records did not come with this bequest. Drying cracks were visible in the darker foreground areas.

Treatment: Removal of surface dirt, varnish and re-touching in separate layers was carried out following extensive tests. Dirt was removed from between the canvas and the stretcher bar. The backs of the canvas and stretcher were cleaned. A brush conservation varnish was applied. Retouching was carried out in the areas of the drying cracks using restoration colours and a final varnish applied. The frame was cleaned and the painting was secured using brass plates. This treatment was carried out in 2004.