Conservation Efforts Underway at The Harris as Collection Prepares for Reopening

The Harris is thrilled to announce a partnership with Lancashire Conservation Studios

Lancashire Conservation Studios will be undertaking the meticulous treatment of over 90 treasured objects from The Harris' collection. Over the coming months, a variety of artworks, sculptures, fashion pieces, and other key historical objects will undergo expert conservation, cleaning, and repair in preparation for inclusion in the highly anticipated new displays when The Harris reopens its doors in 2025.

The scope of the conservation work is extensive, ensuring that some of the most iconic pieces from the collection are ready to shine once again. This includes glazing selected paintings to protect them during display and carefully mounting fragile historic textiles on specially crafted mannequins, safeguarding them for future generations.

Among the objects receiving conservation are collection favourites like the beloved marble sculpture 'Clytie' by G. F. Watts, which will experience cutting-edge laser cleaning technology to restore its original brilliance.

The conservation efforts will also bring to light several 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, a portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grimshaw, leader of the Royal Preston Volunteers, painted in 1801, and an intricately crafted Victorian mother-of-pearl tea caddy. These pieces, many of which have remained in storage, will be restored to their former glory, ready to be displayed in the new galleries.

Commenting on the significance of the project, Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

"It's a great opportunity to conserve objects that haven't been on display for a long time and make sure they are stable and looking their best for visitors to enjoy when The Harris reopens next year."

Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services, 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."

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.

This vital conservation work has been made possible with Heritage Fund and a wide range of local and national funders as part of the Harris Your Place capital project, and through the generosity of the Textile Society's Museum, Archive & Conservation Award 2024, which has funded the restoration of key pieces from The Harris collection.

The Harris remains committed to preserving its heritage collections, and this collaboration with Lancashire Conservation Studios marks an important step towards ensuring these culturally significant items are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

You can follow The Harris on Facebook - The Harris, Instagram - the Harris, X - The Harris.