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![17th-Century Painting Restoration]()
Jan de Baen (1633-1702)
Clean, Retouching, Reframing
Case Study -
![Edward John Cobbett (1815-1899)]()
Edward John Cobbett (1815-1899)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
Case Study -
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Karl Heffner (1849-1925)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
Case Study -
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Robert T Stuart (XIX)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
Case Study -
![Gortzius Geldorp (1553-c.1619)]()
Gortzius Geldorp (1553-c.1619)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
Case Study -
![Charles Henry Miller (1842-1922)]()
Charles Henry Miller (1842-1922)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
Case Study
Oil Painting Restoration
Layers Restoration is an oil painting conservation studio based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Our team is led by Susan Moore BSc FBAPCR, who is accredited by the British Association of Paintings Conservator-Restorers and has over 30 years of experience.
Across the span of Susan’s career she’s worked for Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Agnews Gallery, London. Restoring works by Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Sir Joshua Reynolds, numerous Old Masters, along with the leading figures of early 20th-century British art.
Uncovering The Details
When you restore an oil painting, you bring a new sense of vitality to a lost treasure while also protecting it from further degradation.
Oil Painting RESTORATION
Each piece carries with it a set of unique characteristics, which can affect its condition and appearance over time. Our process begins with a series of tests, such as UV analysis, to gain further insight into the DNA of your painting.
From here, all restoration work, including varnish removal, repairs to torn canvases, consolidation of flaking paint, and retouching, is carried out using museum-grade materials.
Frame Restoration
Antique gilt frames are particularly prone to losses due to their fragile nature. Our frame restorer uses efficient techniques, such as plaster repair, to revitalise a frame while also retaining its character.
Case Studies
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Geldorp, Gorzius (1553-c.1619)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
View Project -
Charles Henry Miller (1842-1922)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching
View Project -
Edward John Cobbett (1815-1899)
Clean, Varnish Removal, Retouching, Frame Restoration
View Project
An Ethical Approach
Established by the husband and wife team of Andrew Shield, an art researcher, and Holly Shield, a conservator, the ethics of painting conservation are at the heart of our decision making process and we adopt a minimal intervention policy in all cases. Essentially, this means that we value the artist’s original work and never seek to obscure or remove it, where possible.
All too often, paintings are retouched in an overzealous fashion, which only serves to degrade the artist’s original hand, while also lowering a painting’s value. Our retouching is harmonised carefully to remove distractions, yet retain the spirit of a piece. Also, it’s always reversible, allowing future conservators to contextualise our work.