Caring for Mary Fedden: Conserving a Modern British Icon

Mary Fedden RA (1915–2012) remains one of Britain’s most beloved Modern British artists. Her vibrant still life paintings, distinctive cats, flowers and interiors have an enduring appeal that feels equally at home in a contemporary apartment or a traditional country house. Today, strong demand from collectors continues to drive impressive auction results, with many original oil paintings achieving five-figure prices and exceptional works selling considerably higher.

As the market for Mary Fedden paintings continues to strengthen, professional conservation has become increasingly important. Whether your artwork has been in the family for decades or was acquired recently through a gallery or auction, careful preservation helps protect both its beauty and its long-term value.

Above is a Mary Fedden painting that survived a house fire and the subsequent moisture exposure caused by extinguishing the flames. Smoke, soot and moisture contamination are among the most common forms of damage affecting paintings of every period. If left untreated, these contaminants can become increasingly embedded within the surface, accelerating deterioration, compromising the stability of the artwork and ultimately affecting both its appearance and long-term value.

Specialist Conservation for Modern Paintings 

Many collectors assume that a painting from the late twentieth century will be easier to care for than an Old Master. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Modern artists frequently experimented with new materials, thinner paint layers and unvarnished surfaces. Mary Fedden’s paintings are admired for their bold, flat areas of colour and confident brushwork, but these very characteristics can make surface damage, staining and paint loss far more noticeable than on heavily varnished historic paintings.

Unlike traditional oil paintings protected beneath a removable varnish layer, many modern works have exposed paint surfaces. Dust, smoke, grease and airborne pollutants can become embedded directly into the paint, making specialist cleaning essential.

Common Conservation Issues We See in Mary Fedden Paintings

Every painting ages differently, but the most common issues affecting Mary Fedden artworks include:

• Flaking or lifting paint caused by environmental issues.
• Surface dirt, contaminants and staining on unvarnished paint.
• Tears, punctures or impact damage requiring careful structural repair.
• Previous restoration attempts that used unsuitable materials.
• Unstable or acidic framing materials that gradually damage the canvas.
• Developing cracks where movement within the canvas is beginning to destabilise the paint layer.

Many of these problems begin subtly. Addressing them early is often simpler, less invasive and more cost-effective than waiting until visible deterioration has occurred.

Protecting Modern Art

With this in mind, preventive conservation is just as important. In many cases, the most valuable service is a professional conservation assessment. Our conservators can identify developing issues before they become serious and advise on appropriate preventive care. Recommendations may include:

• Improving environmental conditions to reduce fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
• Upgrading to conservation-quality framing materials.
• Installing museum-grade UV protective glazing where appropriate.
• Assessing hanging methods to reduce accidental damage.
• Monitoring surface issues before more intense intervention becomes necessary.

Preventive conservation helps preserve originality while reducing the likelihood of more extensive treatment in the future. Our painting conservators specialise in the ethical conservation of Modern British art alongside historic masterpieces. Every treatment begins with a detailed condition assessment, allowing us to understand the artist’s materials, identify the causes of deterioration and recommend only the work that is genuinely necessary. 

Speak to Our Experts

If you own a Mary Fedden painting or a similar modern piece and are concerned about its condition, we’re here to help.

Our team provides no-obligation advice, detailed conservation assessments and tailored treatment plans for collectors, galleries, insurers and institutions throughout the UK and internationally.

Whether your painting needs preventive conservation, professional cleaning or specialist restoration, we’d be delighted to discuss the best approach for protecting your artwork.

We also offer nationwide collection and delivery, as well as guidance on worldwide shipping to our studio.