Rachel Witt ACR
Projects
About Me
After completing with distinction a master’s degree in the Conservation of Fine Art (Easel Paintings) from the University of Northumbria, I have worked on a wide variety of paintings belonging to private individuals and museum collections in both the UK and overseas.
I have restored paintings of all ages from medieval to contemporary, some by well known artists but many by unknown painters that have enormous sentimental value to their owners.
Regardless of value, experience enables me to tackle increasingly challenging and complex conservation problems including artworks that have been severely damaged in a fire or flood that might be considered beyond repair.
Client Testimonials
We found Rachel on line and invited her to have a look at our painting. She then analysed the situation and came back with an assessment, a proposed treatment and cost for the restoration. We were updated at every step of the way and went to Rachel’s studio during the process for a progress report. Once it was completed we really had a ‘ Repair Shop’ moment on seeing the painting. I welled up and an echo of that feeling has stayed with me every time I look at it.
So glad that we met Rachel and entrusted her with this project. The care and professionalism she demonstrated throughout was everything we could have dreamt of.
Nick Radclyffe
Conservation of Abstract Shapes. October 2023.Rachel’s work was impeccable and she was a pleasure to work with. The patience, love and passion for restoring our decorative chancel arch really showed. We were more than pleased with the result. It is now a beautiful scheme that many can enjoy for generations to come. Thank you Rachel.
The Reverend Tim Bell
Conservation of the Chancel Arch at Christ Church, Ore, East Sussex. February 2022.Training
MA Conservation of Easel Paintings at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle. Passed with Distinction.
Work History
In January 2023 I set up RWConservation in Hastings. Working in my studio on West Hill, I conserve easel paintings including oil, acrylic and tempera on a variety of substrates including canvas, wooden panel and other supports. In addition to this, I continue to work for and collaborate with other conservators on projects outside of the studio.
Freelance Paintings Conservator. During this time I worked on a variety of projects both in the UK and overseas. This included a contract at the Museum of Modern Art in Qatar where I conserved a large collection of paintings that were being transferred to a more suitable storage facility. I also worked on several wall paintings the most memorable being in the crypt at St Elizabeth’s Church, Eastbourne where a pioneering method was used to remove the oil on plaster from a brick wall.
Senior Conservator, Q Art Conservation, Singapore. I set up a paintings conservation studio for the Q Framing Group where I had sole responsibility for assessing paintings (using Articheck software), quoting and carrying out the conservation treatments. A hot suction table was used for structural work such as reducing distortions and linings were carried out when necessary using the BEVA technique.
Senior Conservator/Head of Paintings Section, Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), Singapore. Supported the National Heritage Board institutions including the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum and the Asian Civilisation Museum. Carried out interventive conservation alongside collection care including climate control, light levels and pest management. A major highlight was surveying all the paintings selected for display at the National Gallery of Singapore which opened in 2015
Head of Easel Paintings and Senior Conservator/Restorer, Plowden and Smith Ltd, London Carried out conservation work on a wide range of paintings for private individuals auction houses, insurance companies and art dealers as well as museums in the UK and overseas. Highlights include surveying and conserving paintings in the Museum of Orientalist Art in Qatar, working for the Marianne North Gallery, Kew Gardens, London and restoring the panel paintings on the 17th century Speakers Coach.
