Rangers House // English Heritage magazine

A fascinating commission at Rangers House for English Heritage magazine. I photographed conservators, Alice Tate-Harte and Rachel Turnall at Rangers House in Greenwich, London. 2022 marks the centenary of the founding of the paintings conservations studio – it’s original location was in Regent’s Park and it was the first government-employed team of artist-restorers.

During my visit, it was interesting to see how some of the old methodology is still employed, such as the removal of varnish with swabs and solvents. Some of the orignal equipment is also still in use. However, there are also some modern day techniques – the use of UV light to reveal damage, as well as historic restoration. The UV light also uncovered a date – 1634 – on a painting by Cornelius, which had been lost over the centuries.