19th Century Family Portrait

Private client

Following flooding this large 19th century painting, in its original frame and wash lined mount, was severely infested with mould. The image portrays a family group painted in watercolour and gouache. The thickly encrusted mould spores covered large areas of the portrait, changing its appearance dramatically.

The picture was dismantled and sanitised with all infested framing materials discarded. Conservation involved mould spore and subsequent staining removal with flaking white areas stabilised. To reduce warping of the paper the item was humidified and pressed. Following treatment a replica wash-lined mounted was fitted and the whole item reassembled with the conserved gilt frame. Cath reinstated the portrait in situ with recommendations for appropriate hanging to ensure adequate ventilation behind the painting once secured to the wall.

Conservation of the composition moulded gilded frame including the replacement of missing mouldings and gilding of the new sections.