05:00, 15 November 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The National Trust is opening a new laboratory at its Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Centre in Knole, Kent, to study thousands of historic paint samples. This initiative, funded by a £621,962 grant from the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), will unlock the colourful history of British heritage, from ancient Roman frescoes to Victorian carriages.
The Trust’s extensive collection spans over two millennia and includes paint samples from historic buildings, artworks, and decorative objects. By cataloguing these samples in a new archive, the Trust aims to enable researchers to explore the use of colour, the materials used in historic decoration, and the global trade in pigments.
John Orna-Ornstein, Director of Curation at the Trust, said: "Many of our historic houses show that our predecessors loved colour in their homes and estates. Through this project, we can uncover the choices behind those colours and how they were used, revealing a vibrant past often hidden from view."
The new research facility will allow for detailed forensic analysis of paint layers, offering insights into changing tastes and the materials used in historic decoration. In one example, the colour of woodwork at Townend farmhouse in Cumbria was corrected from dark green to its original dark red, based on paint analysis. Similarly, paint research at Bath Assembly Rooms is helping recreate original colours for its ongoing restoration.
A new in-house heritage scientist will lead the project, setting standards for paint sampling and spearheading further research. This work will also extend to oil paintings in the Trust's collection, such as recent technical analysis of works by Carolus Duran and Tintoretto.
Anita Weatherby, Head of Research at the Trust, commented: “This funding will transform the study of paint history into a world-class research resource, supporting both our own work and the broader academic community."
The project is part of the UKRI’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme, providing a valuable new resource for heritage research across the nation.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The National Trust. This is a global organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children in need around the world. Find out more.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). This cUK government body that funds research in the arts, humanities, and cultural heritage to enhance understanding and support innovation in these fields. Learn more here.
Create. This charity empowers lives by reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing through the creative arts. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education and Partnerships For The Goals.
