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Fine Art
Four ceiling paintings by Andrea Casali (1720-1783), originally at Beckford's 'Fonthill Splendens', purchased by Hastings Elwin for the Institution in 1823. |
during conservation.
The four oval ceiling paintings of mythological figures in a monumental style, previously situated on the first floor of 16-18 Queen Square, were originally commissioned by Alderman Beckford in the 1750s during the rebuilding of his Palladian mansion, Fonthill Splendens, following a fire in 1755. These were painted by Andrea Casali, an 18th century painter of mythological, historical and religious subjects in Italy and England.
The photos below show ' work-in-progress' during the current restoration (2002).
The four paintings represent the mythological figures of Pan, The Arcadian god of nature and music; Ceres, the Italian goddess of corn; Pomona, the goddess of fruit; and Mercury, the god of trade and commerce.
Above photo: Brenda Vicary-Finch ( BRLSI
Administrator) viewing the restoration work
with Seonaid Wood (right) in 2002
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The restoration project began in 1997. A condition report, given by a conservator of the then AMCSW, conservation department based in Bristol, recommended:
'Cleaning and restoration, to repair the damaging effects of flaking and paint loss, damp, discoloured and streaky varnish, surface dirt, slack canvas, stretcher marks and fracturing due to past impacts'.
The restoration work is being carried out by:
Seonaid Wood and
Elizabeth Holford. |
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Conservation of the four paintings is now near completion. It is expected that all four paintings will be returned to the Institution in early 2003.
Special lighting will need to be considered
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