This presentation of three paintings shows ways in which the National Gallery has preserved the collection over the last century and how the practice of conservation has changed. In the early years work was carried out by outside bodies with an emphasis on cleaning and consolidation.

After the establishment of a Gallery conservation department in 1964, and with the support of the Istituto Centrale del Restauro in Rome, the care of the Gallery’s collection has continued with a more scientific approach. Today, the use of technology to study and to preserve works conforms to key principles of reversibility and minimum intervention.

This display shows three paintings: Silvestro dei Gherarducci (1339-1399), The Assumption of the Magdalen, 1380's; Lucas Cranach (1472-1553), Judith with the Head of Holofernes, c.1550; and Maestro del Tondo di Cortona (1450-1490), The Virgin with Child and Saints; alongside photographic documentation on the conservation of the three works.

In 1936, conservation work on one of the three selected paintings, Judith with the Head of Holofernes c.1550, revealed that Holofernes’ head had been painted out, to make the image less gruesome. The head, and a ledge, on which Judith rests her sword, were revealed with removal of the overpaint.

A free brochure accompanies the display.