Restoration of paintings at Newbury Town Hall

[Administrator]

Restoration of paintings at Newbury Town Hall

Newbury Town Council is pleased to announce that its project to conserve and restore the four historic portraits which hang on public view at the Town Hall will commence on 12th February with the removal of the first two paintings for conservation.  These are the panel portrait of Jack of Newbury painted in 1550, and the portrait of Sir John Boys, the defender in 1646 of Donnington Castle, painted in 1660.

Jack of Newbury (John Winchcombe) Painted in 1550

The Conservator chosen for the work is Ruth Bubb Ltd of Banbury, who is registered with the Institute of Conservation and has many distinguished clients, and the paintings will be transported by Crown Fine Art Ltd, a specialist art transport company.  Of the £28,000 needed for the work, £19,000 has so far been donated or committed by many generous donors.

Sir John Boys, the defender in 1646 of Donnington Castle, painted in 1660

The Mayor of Newbury, Anthony Pick, said: "I am delighted that the conservation work is about to start, and am very grateful indeed to the donors whose generosity has made the project possible to its present stage.  They include Benchmark Woodworking Ltd, Mr and Mrs Charles Brims, Miss Mary Buxey, Sir Terence Conran, the Englefield Trust, Sir Christopher Gent, the Gerald Palmer Eling Trust, the G.J. Ward Charitable Trust, Mr Timothy Gwyn-Jones, the Headley Trust, Dr Christina Hill-Williams DL, Sir Max Hastings, Mr Graham Hunt, Newbury Building Society, Newbury District Field Club, Newbury Town Council, and the Sackler Trust."

The other two paintings due for restoration are the coronation portraits of George III and Queen Charlotte, c. 1772.  All will remain on public view after restoration.  Conservation will include restoration of the frames. 

Donations to complete the work should be made payable to "Mayor's Painting Restoration Fund" and sent to Mayor's Parlour, Market Place, Newbury RG14 5AA.