Rosalind has restored pictures for me over many years and I have always been very impressed and pleased with her work. She approaches her work with great professionalism and yet is very approachable and friendly. One is informed before work starts with an extensive conservation report and estimate of costs and this is followed up on completion with a thorough treatment report detailing what has ben achieved. Rosalind has restored a great variety of paintings for me over the years and I have always been delighted with the results; I have no hesitation in recommending her.

Ms Whitehouse’s proposals .... have been presented in detailed and comprehensive appraisal reports. As a result, the chancellor has had no hesitation in granting the PCCs permission to undertake the work.

I have found Ms Whitehouse helpful and approachable if and when additional information was required. I know the PCCs have also felt the benefit of employing her as she has shared with them, and often the wider community as well, the importance of the piece under conservation and the technique she employs. This is concluded with thorough post-treatment documentation. A key attribute is Ms Whitehouse’s ability to work with other contractors as at Kedington where the conservation of hatchments had to coincide with a tight timescale to match conditions made by funders and the redecoration of the nave.

Over many years Rosalind Whitehouse’s professional input to conserving paintings in Colchester and Ipswich has proved essential.   The collections range in date from 15th century panel paintings to the present day and significantly cover the work of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable.  

The work carried out on two Constable portraits not only revived those paintings but helped in correctly identifying the works as by Constable. Rosalind’s approach has always been thorough with carefully constructed methodologies that provide a detailed breakdown of the work to be carried out. This was very important in a public funded institution where budgets are tight. 

In 2014 funding allowed for conservation work to take place on Constable’s The Mill Stream. This was an in-depth project that Rosalind took on with huge enthusiasm and commitment. Having to undertake work on the painting in a public setting at Christchurch Mansion was a challenge but it provided access to an important story about the painting. Without Rosalind’s excellent communication skills and flexible attitude this would not have been possible.