Art conservator Anthony Keogh is on a mission to preserve and restore works for future generations to appreciate.
Keogh will be speaking at the Art in the Park market day at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery on December 3.
Keogh said restoring art to its original state, or close to it, was highly specialized.
“It can be very destructive if not carried out by a professional restorer,” he said.
“Basically, paintings need restoration for a number of reasons including human damage, poor atmospheric conditions, and material deterioration.”
Keogh will be speaking about Angelica Kaufmann’s painting, titled Oath of the Horatii (1784), which has been restored for the permanent collection housed at the Ann Bryant.
Kaufmann is a Swiss neoclassical painter who made a name for herself in London and Rome and Keogh believes her work is deserving of inclusion in the Ann Bryant permanent collection.
“The painting was in a very poor condition and very badly discoloured, and was unsafe to display and very difficult to view.
“So restoration will not only make it more accessible to the public but also delay further deterioration for generations to come,” said Keogh.
Ann Bryant manager Leon du Preez, said: “The Ann Bryant Art Gallery has been collecting artworks since about the 1920s, with some works going as far back as the 1800s.
“The gallery houses a very important collection of historical value. Like any antique property, paintings have to be maintained and cared for to keep them in good order for the next generation, as well as keep their value.
“Antique artworks can be priceless and are a fantastic investment.”
