Working on the Kyffin bequest has been an extraordinary journey of discovery in more ways than one. Having been in the team that collected the artworks from Kyffin’s studio, the reality of the occasion came home to me as I held one of the last paintings to be loaded in the van in my hands and gazed over the Menai Straits – the great man had been taken away from us, but his gift to the Library and to the Nation ensured that he would never be forgotten.
With the artworks brought safely back to the Library my work could now begin in earnest. As a Conservation Officer in the Preventive Unit, I assess, plan and coordinate the work flow of the specialist cleaning team, inspect new accessions to the Library for insect pest activity and mould infestations and take preventive conservation measures that ensure that collections are protected and stored within acceptable environmental conditions.
The first process involved carefully examining every painting, removing and recording dead or living insects, identifying any ‘heritage eaters’, and noting damage. The backs of the paintings were then gently cleaned using special hand held mini vacs to remove any dust, dirt or debris before being wrapped again, to prevent damage – as the majority of the paintings were unframed. The next step was to secure the artworks in protective storage frames.
Each frame had to be custom made to fit each painting. Although the paintings were standard sizes the thickness of canvas, acrylic and oil paint varied and the whole purpose of the frames was to protect and not damage the paintings when handled and moved.The frames allow for the works to sit in a recessed protected space.
Pam Small