Removing the varnish | Restoring the Armada Portrait

#AntiqueRestoration"In 2017, the famous Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I underwent a major conservation project.
Come behind the scenes of our conservation studios at Royal Museums Greenwich and follow the incredible story.

Elizabeth Hamilton-Eddy, Senior Paintings Conservatorat Royal Museums Greenwich, talks about why the painting has darkened over time and how she removed the layers of varnish from the portrait.

The Queen's House is part of Royal Museums Greenwich which also incorporates the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, sharing stories from the sea to the stars.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I was acquired with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Art Fund, Linbury Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Headley Trust and other major donors, together with contributions from over 8000 members of the public following a joint appeal with Art Fund."