Portrait comes alive after restoration Watch multiple dirt layers remove

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In this episode we carry on with the varnish removal of the face and body and uncover some really nice hidden sections of the painting. We explore some of Henry Liverseege's works and learn more about his life and the times he lived in. We also go on a little jaunt!
Many thanks to Salford Museum and Art Gallery for allowing me to film in their collection.
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Equipment:
Iphone 14pro
Yeti Blue Mic
Edited with Adobe Premiere
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ABOUT Bloomfield Art Restoration Is an unlimited series exploring the art restoration of oil paintings, period history, and artists lives.
ABOUT Bloomfield Art & James Bloomfield Bloomfield Art specialise in all aspects of art restoration, oil easel painting restoration and fine art conservation. We offer fine art restoration and picture cleaning services across the North West of England, We also offer a National Painting Restoration service. Bloomfield Art is an associate member of the British Association of Paintings Conservators - Restorer's (BAPCR) . We have a selection of quality antique oils for sale please vivit our website to see our current stock, we offer free international shipping:
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We have completed art restoration work on behalf of Christies London, National Gallery Ireland, the NHS, local authorities, schools, churches and historic houses. We have also worked on paintings by Sir Terry Frost, Ambrose McAvoy, Mary Fedden, Kyffin Williams, Robert Lenkowiez, Helen Bradley, L.S Lowry, R.R. Reinagle, J.Hoppner, W.Sant and many more. James Bloomfield is an accredited Art Restorer and Artist and has worked on 1000's of oil paintings. He was selected for the prestigious John Moores painting prize in 2012 and has his artwork in museum collections in the UK. He lives and works in Manchester England.

[@catopig7611]

I love how this channel presents art history, the way that "everyday" art has been part of peoples lives. It's not just about big names and momentous changes, forgotten names get brought back to life and the memory conveyed by a skilled portrait gets to live a bit again.

[@JohnMarsden-wb2zh]

The pose in Bradley's portrait quite possibly reflects Henry's interest in writing poetry. He was one of the Mancehster Poets who met at "Poets' Corner" who included John Bolton Rogerson, who wrote a poem marking Henry's death. The suggested date of c1820 would line up nicely with this period.

[@maryw354]

I believe the lady is spinning linen thread. The unspun fiber is tied to a distaff and the spinner moistens her fingers to make the fiber more flexible and easier to spin. It was not uncommon for linen thread to be used to sew cotton or wool fabrics.

[@ladyamythyst69]

I was just going to comment the same thing. Based on the color of the fiber and the water in the cup I think it’s flax being spun into linen. Flax has very little stretch so the moisture is there to keep the thread flexible so it doesn’t break. The object in the cup with the handle sticking out is probably some sort of brush used to flick the water onto the fiber.

[@mamabear162]

Exactly! I don't spin, but I follow @JillianEve and she does this. It's facinating.

[@leonieandrewsart4137]

Yes, I agree, s he would have been using water, in the chalice, to keep the flax under control as she was spinning.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you so much. ❤ An awesome restoration and fascinating history of the Portrait, quite magical! You have brought Mrs Calvert back to life; she has beautiful eyes with a very kind and warm expression in this portrait. I think Henry's portrait of Mrs Calvert is beautifully and delicately executed. Her skin is luminous, her eyes lively and expressive and her nose is more refined without all the grime, dirt, smoke and yukky drab varnish. She reminds me of one of Dicken's kind hearted character's in his books. It is very sad that Henry may have been weak in health but he was herculean in managing to paint wonderful paintings with only one lung and the many illnesses related to this condition. Henry looks handsome, sensitive and pensive in his portrait but there is courage and determination behind this delicacy. I am so happy you have bought this artist and his portrait of Mrs Calvert to our appreciation and attention.

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you ! I do find the whole story quite tragic! I agree she does look like a kind Dickensian character!! thank you for taing the time to leave a comment

[@susansouthern6704]

Love how you give us a full introduction to the artist if you are able

[@Elong.]

Her hands are so graceful looking and she looks like a kind soul.

[@cosh5]

Probably flax on the distaff. It won't be cotton, as the fibres would be too short for a distaff.

[@matthewcondon1985]

I was wondering about that too. It looks too shiny to be cotton and I would think cotton would be much brighter white. I even wondered if it could be silk, but it's probably more likely flax.

[@cosh5]

@@matthewcondon1985 It could be a silk cap perhaps.

[@Dotty71at]

Since bobbin lace is (even still nowadays) often made of linen, I would also say it could be flax.

[@carolynmattern-gj5tv]

I appreciate the historical information you presented about the artist and the trip to the Salford museum where I found your walk through the gallery. It was nice to see the collection displayed in the way in which art was displayed in the 19th century-so different from other contemporary galleries.

[@XYGSteve]

Another great restoration. I wanted to take a moment to compliment your video production. Last weekend I watched the Harriet Nicholls series from 14 months? ago and your personal growth as an editor is nothing short of incredible. Well done on the masterful restoration and the video production. I feel confident speaking for all viewers when I express our appreciation!

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you !

[@lornaperryman489]

I do so enjoy all the history you provide with the paintings you share with us. Thank you so so much!❤

[@cherryllcooper679]

Lovely portrait, the background cleaning was amazing so much detail and care taken. I’m sure the current owner will be impressed. Thanks for showing us your work, and taking us on a little side trip!

[@julieannmatthews3639]

As a spinner, I think the distaff ( the upright stick) has raw silk wrapped around it. You prepare the distaff the same as you make your cleaning swabs. The only difference is that you use a lighter touch so that the fibre is a very open when you turn it around the distaff. It is held in position by turning a ribbon with the fibre. I hope that makes sense to you. Thank you for your tour of Salford Art Gallery & Museum. I am on the other side of the World, in Australia and at my age I will probably never get a chance to see any of the not so famous Art Galleries in the U.K.

[@lornaperryman489]

@julieannmatthews3639 Thank you for explaining about the distaff. I'd love to learn more about spinning and weaving but alas arthritis has made that impossible. I too wish I was young and able enough to visit the UK and see the gallerie s and museums for myself.

[@julieannmatthews3639]

@@lornaperryman489 Thank you for your comments. I also have arthritis along with injuries from a massive car accident. (the air bags went off spontainously causing injuries, literally from my toes to the top of my head) however, where there is a will there is a way. Maybe you could start spinning on an electric wheel. Just remember to start off slow and have "butterfly fingers" by that I mean hardly touching and having the right "light" tension. have a go, girl. "nil desperandum"

[@lornaperryman489]

Ouch! I know you Aussies are tough but it sounds like you really had it especially rough. Accident at work 30+ years ago changed life for me also but when I can afford it I will try spinning. It looks like so much fun. Australia is another place I had hoped to visit as I had friends who lived in Adelaide but that was then and now is now. Thanks for the advise.

[@jugheadjones5458]

Your cleaning is so satisfying. Thank you for the tour. On the portrait of the young man I noticed how well his hands were painted. Perhaps more detail and more anatomically lifelike. Well done sir. Thank you and I look forward to your next installment!

[@jwbullfrog9583]

Such a lovely lady. He had a great eye and style. Thank you for bringing his work into the wider world.

[@PINTandDALE]

Terrific transformation and a fascinating history of the artist. Thank you!

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you!

[@sherrillsturm7240]

She has a warm and sweet countenance. Despite not being a great beauty, she must have been a treasured friend to those who knew her.

[@kyriosity]

Loved the field trip and comparison of the different versions of the painting!

[@ines2476]

I enjoy so much every part of this man's videos! Is so soothing, yet I'm eager to know all the history on the paintings 🤍

[@Animei9]

I love your work. You gave her back the twinkle in her eye and made her look rather lovely, in a way. I also love the histories that you give of the artists and the sitters. It's very enjoyable

[@pattijareo7423]

So interesting! Cleaning the painting brought that dear lady back to life. The change was astonishing, and the history was wonderful to have. Thank you!

[@cs3742]

I am so thrilled you found a picture of the artist! Kudos to you🤗🤗🤗

[@lsimpson50]

Amazing restoration and story behind the artist!

[@suzannerevill2506]

Gorgeous, great job

[@jimberg9243]

Nicola white mudlarkin is a person in the same span I love the historia behind yor work. Thank you. Jim from Sweden. Sorry for bad Spelling

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

If you like mudlarking please check out friends of the show @Northern Mudlarks

[@darlene2662]

Loved the museum field trip! Tx 😊👋🏼🇨🇦

[@larkmurry7808]

Captivating...

[@LinzieMCrofoot]

The history and stories are what set you apart! Keep it up ❤❤

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you ! needed to see that comment this week!

[@gintonic5489]

The background history and seeing the related paintings is really great! Thanks so much, it’s fascinating and brings extra colour to the paintings you work on.

[@marykallis3677]

Your channel has evolved into not only a display of your restorative talents, but also art history as well. I love what you have done with your channel and look forward to each chapter of learning and experience! Keep it going! I am a big fan, from Arizona, USA. Sending warm, sunny wishes your way! 😎😎😎

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you! warm sunny wishes have arrived - actually sunny in Manchester for once today!

[@NinaHansen2008]

I would certainly trust you to restore a painting of mine!

[@QueenCityHistory]

So sad when beautiful paintings are in storage.

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Yes its a shame there are so many in storage and what we see in galleries and museums is just the tip of a vary large artberg...

[@cindyirvine123]

That is a spinning distaff, used to hold the raw fibre before it is spun. Typically, it was used with flax (for linen) or wool.

[@matthewcondon1985]

Thanks for the video!

[@nickimontie]

Not only was this artist proficient with capturing skin tones, he was also very adept at capturing the look of wood. Very nice to see the details being revealed undrr all that varnish!

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

Beautiful job!

[@simon54]

Thank you for this video. As ever I am in awe of your skill and expertise. However, you are the dangerous side of yt, two hours of mesmerising videos later I have still not started the washing up.

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Ha! the washing up can wait! or watch while you do it!

[@christineingram55]

He certainly used more colours in the skin than many of the day.This portrait has really cleaned up beautifully.The lady has such lovely eyes too,and I like how he painted all the soft fabric around her neck too.🥰

[@NinaHansen2008]

Love your work!

[@morbek1]

Thank you! That was informative and educational!

[@EustachyBrambor]

I may be wrong, but the gloss of the fiber makes me think it's silk.

[@matthewcondon1985]

My first thought was silk too, @cosh5 thought it might be flax...could be either. Too shiny for cotton.

[@rebeccamyott7041]

Great job. ❤Bravo.!

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

Thank you! 😃

[@TealCheetah]

Field Trip!

[@Dave_1966]

I have always found art restoration very interesting to watch, I was wondering if you have any tips on maybe getting into art restoration, maybe as a hobby more than a profession though, great job on Mrs Calbert 😊

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

There are quite a few good books on the subject matter, i did an apprenticeship maybe there are some framers or art specialists in the area that could show you a few things

[@swordforjustice]

@@Bloomfield_Art_Restorationalso contacting a local museum or art gallery too. 🙂

[@darlene2662]

Ps loved the bit of history!

[@EmmaFre-Haack]

Why don’t you clean the varnish first? Mild soap gel or something like that? Thanks

[@jaycorwin1625]

What a beautiful painting and an interesting story behind it. Thank you.

[@Darscm]

I’ve always been led to believe cleaning and varnish removal is a 2 step process with different solutions for cleaning followed by a different solution to remove the varnish. Am I correct? If so were there steps in the video I missed or was a lack of explanation about the different cleaning solutions.

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

This one had different layers, dirt , varnish, dirt under vanrish etc, sometimes the layers require different solutions at different times of the clean, some paintings are more straightforward just depends on the life it has had.

[@NinaHansen2008]

I suspect you have been watching the Restoration Master of Chicago. 🤣

[@emsee8432]

I think she's spinning linen on a castle wheel.

[@jenniferlee4893]

Looks like a distaff of linen. The cup is for the spinning. Linen requires you to dip your fingers into water. People still do it as a hobby. Her hands are like that because she is spinning the thread. People use these spinning wheels today.

[@rexroganblat2690]

Do you ever get a request to restore an old oil painting that has so many losses, so much abrasion, so much craquelure, that you have to refuse the commission because it is impossible?

[@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration]

I wwould say nothing is impossible it usually comes down to if the client is weilling to pay for the work to be completed.

[@rexroganblat2690]

@@Bloomfield_Art_Restoration Thank you very much. I sometimes find 17th century Dutch paintings at auction that are in very poor condition e.g. extensive abrasion of the original paint layers and loss through craquelures.

[@swordforjustice]

@@Bloomfield_Art_Restorationmy thoughts too. There are a lot of variables involved cost, value (historical and piece), how much the owner wants to keep a painting as original as possible (which affects value and cost), etc. I have a painting of my 3X’s great grandfather painted by John Trumbull. It had been cut from its stretcher and taped to cardboard by a prior person. There is evidence of a repair, and the pair was starting to flake. I brought it to a restorer who I had been referred to by The Barnum Museum. The restorer’s background included work for the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. He did a conservation for me that stopped the flaking, then relined it, stretched it, cleaned it, made minor repairs and revarnished and framed it. It’s an odd size, and he said he could make it a more traditional portrait size since the background is mostly black, but advised me not to, because as adding the extra canvas would not be original, and would affect the value. Experts would know what parts were and weren’t original. So I opted to keep the size as is to preserve its historic and artistic value. 🙂