Restoring a Large Oil Painting of Sir Francis Blake
Heritage Restoration is currently restoring a nine-foot tall 18th-century oil painting of Sir Francis Blake Delaval, an English soldier, actor, and British Parliament member known for his colorful life. Born in 1727, he died in 1771, shortly before the American War of Independence.
As is common with aged oil paintings, the canvas had become dry and brittle, with visible cracks compromising the integrity of the artwork. Accumulated residue, particularly noticeable on Sir Francis’ hat, further obscured the original image. The painting is housed within a large wooden frame, which had sustained dents, scrapes, and other damage from years of use.
Heritage Restoration began the process by carefully cleaning the back of the canvas to remove dirt and debris. A conditioning solution was then applied to restore suppleness to the fabric. The painted surface was gently dry-brush cleaned to remove residue, revealing the artist’s original colors beneath.
Simultaneously, the frame underwent repairs. Edge moldings were recreated using specialized restoration compounds to ensure a smooth, uniform surface. These areas were then carefully painted to match the frame’s original finish. Once the restoration and drying processes were complete, the painting was reinstalled into its frame.
Finally, Heritage transported and reinstalled the restored artwork at the client’s facility, placing it in a prominent location where visitors can appreciate this fine piece for years to come.
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