£3.6K to Restore Doré Painting at Lytham Hall

Close up of Blessed are the Charitable by Gustave Doré’

Lytham Town Trust is delighted to announce a donation of £3,600 to Lytham Hall to enable the restoration of Gustave Doré’s 1867 oil painting, Blessed are the Charitable, displayed along the back staircase. The painting, an important feature of the historic house, has now been meticulously conserved thanks to the Trust’s support.

The Hall commissioned fine art conservator, Vanessa Andrews, to undertake the work on site. The restoration involved repairing a tear and two small holes, cleaning the entire painting, improving old repairs, re-stretching one corner to enhance the overall appearance, and applying two coats of varnish.

In addition, the previously emulsioned frame was transformed with two coats of gold paint, making the artwork truly stand out and complementing the grandeur of the Grand Staircase. The careful removal, rehanging, and support of the painting was coordinated by the Lytham Hall staff and management team, ensuring the work was completed safely and professionally.

Fine Art Conservator, Vanessa Andrews, at work on Blessed are the Charitable by Gustave Doré’

David Gill, Chair of Lytham Town Trust, said:
“We are thrilled to support the restoration of this beautiful 1867 work by Gustave Doré. Preserving artworks such as Blessed are the Charitable for the enjoyment of future generations is one of the key objectives of the Endowment Fund we have set aside for projects at Lytham Hall, which provides the perfect setting for it.”

Michael Guy, CEO of Heritage Trust North West, the building preservation trust which manages Lytham Hall, added:
"This restoration has brought a new vibrancy to the Grand Staircase, and Doré’s Blessed are the Charitable now truly commands the attention it deserves. We are grateful to Lytham Town Trust for making this possible and for helping us safeguard the heritage of Lytham Hall."

The restored painting has been returned to its place above the Grand Staircase, enhancing the visitor experience and preserving an important part of Lytham Hall’s collection.