'Reading Lesson' c. 1930, by Roland Wakelin
Oil on canvas, adhered to Masonite. Private collection.
Description
This painting, by renowned Australian/New Zealand artist Roland Wakelin, is an intimate portrait of the artist’s daughter and grandson. The painting had suffered extensive, water-related damage, causing delamination of the paint layer from the canvas support.
Treatment
Flaking/unstable paint was consolidated prior to lining onto a synthetic fabric support. Once the paint was secure, losses in the composition were reintegrated using conservation-grade materials.
Treatment stages
Figure 1
Painting in raking light before treatment, revealing extensive flaking and lifting paint.
Figure 2
Detail of painting in raking light, before treatment.
Figure 3
Detail of painting before treatment, showing active flaking.
Figure 4
Painting after treatment.
Figure 5
Detail of painting after treatment.
Figure 6
Detail of painting after treatment.