Henry Matthews ACR
Projects
About Me
Following graduation from the University of Northumbria with an MA in the Conservation of Easel Paintings in 1996, I moved to Scotland to take up the prestigious John Bute Memorial Trust Internship for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The internship was co-hosted by the NTS, at the Curatorial Department in Edinburgh, and private conservator Clare Meredith, whose conservation studio was based at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry. Following the internship I remained at Clare Meredith Conservation Studio as a freelance conservator from 1998-2003. In 2003, together with my colleague Gail Egan, I set up Egan, Matthews & Rose.
Egan, Matthews & Rose carries out all aspects of structural work, cleaning and restoration of easel paintings, including works on fabric, wood and metal supports. We are experienced in working on site, on outsize paintings and large collections. We also undertake collection surveys, loan reports and training. We work on historic, modern and contemporary works from both public and private collections of all kinds both across Scotland and further afield. We welcome enquiries seeking advice on any aspect of the care of easel paintings.
Client Testimonials
We have had a long and supportive partnership with EMR beginning with a conservation audit of all of our paintings carried out some two decades ago. Since then, subject to our ability to secure grants, they have conserved a huge variety of paintings for us large and small, historic and contemporary. Their work has been exemplary from the preparation of estimates, the discussion of options, treatment and final delivery of works back to display. The City’s art collection, recognised as being of national significance to Scotland, has benefitted hugely from their specialist knowledge and expertise.
Anna Robertson
Fine and Applied Art Manager, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museumhttps://www.scottishfield.co.uk/visual-arts/scottish-artwork-brought-back-to-life-after-incredible-restoration/
Dr Victoria Irvine
Curator of Art, OneRen, Paisley MuseumOur museums have used Egan, Matthews & Rose for more than 20 years. They have assessed, stabilised, cleaned, retouched and restored a wide variety of works for us - from contemporary art to Renaissance Masters. Henry has gone above and beyond by even lending his voice to a video we created about conservation of a painting! Fantastic company, a delight to work with!
Kirke Kook
Curator (Collections), Fife Cultural Trust (OnFife)It’s been a pleasure to have worked on a number of projects with EMR over the years, most recently on our painting of Prometheus. The service they provide has always been first class and I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to conserve or revive their art.
Amy Fairley
Art Curator, Culture Perth & KinrossTraining
Manchester Art College, BA (Hons) Fine Art, 1989-1992.
Volunteer at paintings conservation studio, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1992-1994.
University of Northumbria, MA Conservation of Easel Paintings, 1994-1996. Special Research Project included investigation of tri-ammonium citrate as a surface cleaning agent.
Summer Placement Project working with Senior Paintings Conservator David Crombie of the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. The project was based on the treatment of a series of large painted canvas cartoon studies for a decorative scheme for St Paul's Cathedral. Research & treatments carried out in this project were presented by David Crombie at UKIC Lining & Backing Conference, London 7-8 November 1995.
John Bute Memorial Trust Internship for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The internship was co-hosted by the NTS, at the Curatorial Department in Edinburgh, and private conservator Clare Meredith, whose conservation studio was based at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
Work History
John Bute Memorial Trust Internship for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The internship was co-hosted by the NTS, at the Curatorial Department in Edinburgh, and private conservator Clare Meredith, whose conservation studio was based at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
Freelance conservator based at Clare Meredith Conservation Studio at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
Co-creator/owner/Director of private easel paintings conservation business Egan, Matthews & Rose, based in Dundee, Scotland.
