Large Robert Scott Lauder Conserved in Empty Gallery

April 29 2021

Posted by Adam Busiakiewicz:

A large painting of Christ Teacheth Humanity by Robert Scott Lauder (1803-1869) has been conserved in an empty room of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) in Edinburgh. The BBC have run a short article claiming that the RSA has "only one painting in it and one person at work" at the present. This enormous picture is owned by the National Gallery of Scotland and was one of the first paintings purchased by the galleries.

As conservator Lesley Stevenson explained:

I needed a space and by chance the galleries at RSA were empty so we were able to negotiate a space to work in peace and relative isolation.

These galleries are usually busy with people visiting exhibitions, the noise from Princes Street and security staff coming in and out so it has been very strange.

I'll be really delighted when the new galleries open and the painting will be reunited with its restored frame. That will be the best moment, really.

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