The conservation of the painting The defence of Rorke's Drift 1879

In November the painting was taken from the wall. The work was removed from the original stretcher and the tacking edges were strengthened (strip-lining). Some minor repairs were made to the stretcher before a new polyester loose lining was attached after which the painting was again stretched.

Consolidation of some loose paint was then carried out. Two small losses were filled and retouched.

The work is now waiting for the new temporary frame which is nearing completion. This will mean that the painting will be back on the wall in time for the busy Christmas period.

Lifting the painting off the wall 

Lowering the painting

The painting lowered to the floor

Paint loss in the lower-left corner

Senior Conservator Stewart Laidler removing tacks 

Tacking the edge with loose lining 

Year 10 work experience student, Vivian Schwarz, helping to restretch the canvas

A detail of the lower-right corner of the painting