The Harris announces conservation project to repair over 90 treasured objects

One of the paintings which will be restored during the conservation collaboration. Pic: PCC

The Harris museum in Preston has announced a new partnership with Lancashire Conservation Studios.

They will be undertaking the treatment of over 90 treasured objects from The Harris’ collection.

A variety of artworks, sculptures, fashion pieces and other key historical objects will undergo expert conservation, cleaning and repair in preparation for the museum’s reopening in Spring 2025.

A sculpture which will also be restored at The Harris. Pic: PCC

County councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet Member for community and cultural Services at Lancashire County Council, said: “We are delighted to support the Harris Museum with this stage of their regenerative project, as The Harris collection is an important part of Lancashire’s cultural heritage.

“The specialist conservation and technical expertise provided by the team at Lancashire Conservation Studios ensures the preservation of these objects for the benefit of all visitors and communities throughout the county.”

Selected paintings will be glazed to protect them during display and historical textiles will be mounted on specially crafted mannequins to safeguard them for future generations.

One of The Harris' portraits. Pic: PCC — One of The Harris’ portraits. Pic: PCC

The conservation efforts will also bring to light rare pieces that have not been seen by the public for many years, such as an elegant cotton and wool dress dating back to the 1850s and a portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grimshaw, leader of the Royal Preston Volunteers, painted in 1801.

These pieces, many of which have remained in storage, will be restored to their former glory, ready to be displayed in the new galleries.

Lancashire Conservation Studios have already begun their work, with the first batch of 10 paintings, along with an assortment of sculptures and history objects, already in the studio for treatment.

The work has been made possible with Heritage Fund and funders as part of the Harris Your Place capital project, and through the Textile Society’s Museum, Archive and Conservation Award 2024.

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