Our painting conservation team at Fine Art Restoration Company is passionate about the preservation of both historic and contemporary art. All have studied the chemistry and ethics of this role for many years to become professional easel painting conservators. One of the newest members of our team is Hayley, who is about to graduate from her Masters in oil painting conservation this year.
Before training as a conservator, Hayley studied Fine Art and History of Art at Kingston University. Finding the usual graduate prospects of working in an office not quite as inspiring as she hoped, a route into painting conservation was decided upon. Hayley studied for her Masters degree in Easel Painting Conservation at Northumbria University. During this time she worked for the Laing Gallery in Newcastle and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.
Hayley enjoys working with many different eras and genres of art in our studio and would love the opportunity to help preserve your paintings. This week we asked her a few questions about her experience as a conservator and her role at Fine Art Restoration Company.
What does working in conservation mean to you?
Conserving paintings is very special to me because its an opportunity to get up close and personal with beautiful artworks and to see the marks made by the hand of the artist.
What has been your most memorable conservation project?
I worked on a beautiful religious scene painting whilst I was an intern at Fine Art Restoration Company last summer, it gave me the opportunity to learn lots of new skills.
What do you enjoy most about working for Fine Art Restoration Company?
My conservator colleagues Anna and Sophie in the Cumbria studio, who have been very kind and patient whilst I continue to learn.
What is your favourite genre of artwork to work on?
Currently, I would have to say a portrait. There’s nothing quite like removing the discoloured aged varnish from a face, revealing all of the features beneath!
If you could help to conserve any artwork in the world, what would excite you?
I’m a huge fan of French impressionism! Therefore any painting by Édouard Manet, for example Music in the Tuileries Gardens (1862) would be my dream.
How can we help?
Hayley is currently available for the conservation and restoration of your paintings, whether they are antique or modern. If you would like to arrange for a professional assessment and quotation for this work, please speak to our helpful team who will be happy to advise further.
You can call us on 01228 521 231 or email [email protected]
