Home > Conservation > Departments > Paintings conservation > Conservation of 'Viscountess Folkestone' > Removal of upper varnish

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Removal of upper varnish

Painting detail showing the varnish removed from one half of the face revealing pale, light flesh tones, compared to the yellowed varnish on the other side

Detail of face with upper varnish layer partly removed

The upper varnish layer, dating from the last conservation treatment in the 1950s, was easily removed and made a significant improvement to the appearance of the painting.

Painting detail showing the varnish removed from one arm revealing pale, light flesh tones, compared to the yellowed varnish on the other arm

Detail of arms with upper varnish layer partly removed