In June 2005 the Friends of Conservation announced the launch of a new fundraising programme Adopt an Artwork which will enable the Gallery to keep works in its collection in a displayable condition.

The first painting chosen for this project is The defence of Rorke's Drift  by Alphonse de Neuville painted in 1880 a year after the famous event it depicts took place.

While the painting itself needs some attention it is the frame that is going to take up most of conservation's time. It is original, massive and elaborate. Measuring 255.7 x 377.5 x 30cm. it was finished with gold leaf in various gilding techniques. More than a century later, this finish is almost completely hidden under layers of bronze paint incorrectly applied in the 20th century. This bronze paint has darkened with age, leaving the frame dull and unpleasant to look at. The removal of bronze paint will require 12-18 months of work. The good news is that when conservation on the painting is finished it will be placed in a temporary frame and re-hung until the original frame is ready.

• More about the painting
   
• Progress reports