Dr. Clare Finn ACR
Projects
About Me
Clare is an accredited conservator with 50 years experience in the conservation of paintings. Her knowledge covers a wide range of styles and periods of paintings, from Old Masters through to Contemporary art, and the many varied problems that one can encounter. She is also able to undertake gilding work. As a clear communicator and aids the entire paintings conservation profession through her work as an active member of the Icon Paintings Group committee running talks and events for them. In addition Clare researches and has published on aspects of Picasso's work during World War II, a subject on which she is a recognised authority.
Client Testimonials
I have known and worked with Clare Finn for 6 years. She is extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful and personable. Not only are her acute observations insightful and helpful, but she is practically highly skilled. She has a vast knowledge and is extremely well connected and able to call on a plethora of experts to corroborate her view or from whom to seek further advice.
Corinne Julius
Critic and CuratorI have known and worked with Dr Finn for almost two decades, her counsel has been invaluable. The conservation treatments she executed were of high standards and enhanced the longevity of my clients paintings, which was always greatly appreciated. I strongly recommend her services.
Renee Pfister
Art & Gallery ConsultantTraining
Clare earned a PhD from the Royal College of Art, London on: Picasso's decorative metalwork; his collaboration with François Hugo.
Studied at the Institut fur Technologie der Malerei, Kunst Akademie, Stuttgart Germany. Funded by a British Council Scholarship. Studies included the conservation of easel paintings, gothic and renaissance altarpieces and polychrome sculpture, artist's technology and technique, microscopy, photography, documentation, iconography, chemistry and art history.
Studied at the Schweizerisches Institut fur Kunstwissenschaft in Zurich, Switzerland. Funded by a Stipend awarded by the Institute. Studies included the practical conservation of easel paintings, gothic and renaissance altarpieces and polychrome sculpture.
Studied at Gateshead Technical College, Tyne and Wear, now the University of Northumbria. Studies included the practical conservation and restoration of easel paintings, photographic and written documentation, chemistry and physics of artist's materials.
Work History
Clare set up and currently runs Clare Finn & Co. Ltd., working on Impressionist, Old Master, Victorian, Modern British, contemporary, China Trade and Indian contemporary paintings for a wide range of clients. As a consultant to Sotheby's impressionist department she has gained a specialised knowledge in the techniques of the paintings of the major impressionists, post-impressionists, and Russian avant-garde. . It is work that has taken her to Europe, America, India and Japan.
Senior Restorer for firm James Bourlet (Frames) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sotheby's. Clare ran the painting conservation and restoration department undertaking work for a broad client base and re establishing links with Sotheby's, until she joined the firm, had ceased using the firm’s conservation department. Sotheby's retained her for three decades as a technical consultant to the Impressionist Department advising on the condition of paintings.
Senior Keeper of Conservation and Restoration for Coventry Museums in Warwickshire. Clare set up and ran the department, which covered the conservation of paintings, prints, drawings, archival material, archaeological, folk life and an automobile collection. She carried out practical conservation on paintings in the Museum's collection, including a large Bacchanal by Luca Giordano and undertook a detailed climate study of the main museum building, formulating recommendations on the findings.
Worked in the Prints and Drawings Conservation Laboratory of the British Museum.
Worked in the Conservation Studio of the Area Museum Service for S.E. England at Kenwood House, Hampstead, London.
