'Hidden' tales emerge after paintings restored

Conservation work on a number of family portraits from Hardwick Hall has revealed "hidden stories", including earlier layers and details, according to the National Trust.

Five portraits, all of family or figures linked to Bess of Hardwick, have returned from conservation, where infrared imaging, paint analysis, X‑rays and scanning uncovered "hidden layers, earlier compositions and decisions made by artists centuries ago".

The paintings will now feature in an exhibition called Bess: Unframing the Family at Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield in Derbyshire, on 23 May.

Elena Williams, collections and house manager at Hardwick Hall, said the work has "transformed our understanding of the portraits."

The paintings include Mary, Queen of Scots, Bess's daughter-in-law Anne Keighley, Bess's grandson William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Devonshire, Bess's granddaughter Lady Arbella Stuart, and Bess's son, Sir Henry Cavendish.

Technical imaging of the portrait of Sir Henry Cavendish has revealed the composition was altered to show off his status.

It showed his posture was changed and his hand was moved from his hip to a table to emphasise his authority and status, shedding new light on how the Cavendishes wished to be perceived, according to the National Trust

Conservation work to a painting of William Cavendish also uncovered structural changes to the painting, showing it had been split and later "meticulously realigned".

"The scientific techniques involved in this conservation work has been fascinating", added Williams.

"We hope that the exhibition encourages people to not only explore the stories behind the portraits but want to learn more about the groundbreaking techniques used.

"Conservation is an exciting field, bringing art, history, and science together."

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