Restoring a War-Torn Portrait with an Incredible Story..

Classical Artwork Conservation
Oct 6, 2026

September 12, 2026 BLOOMFIELD ART | FINE ART RESTORATION | FRAMING
This is one of those restorations where the history of the object completely changes the way I approach the work. What arrived at the studio was less than a fragment of canvas: Amalie’s face and part of her clothing, cut from what had once been a much larger portrait and bearing the marks of having been folded. I’ll take you through the structural work, cleaning, filling, retouching and final presentation of the painting, while also exploring the remarkable family history that explains why this small piece of painted canvas survived.

There are paintings where restoration is about making something beautiful again. With this one, I think it’s more about giving dignity back to an object whose scars are inseparable from its history. Hope you enjoy it!

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Equipment:
Osmo Pocket 3
Sony A6400
ATR2100X-USB
Edited with Adobe Premiere

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James Bloomfield specializes in all aspects of art restoration, oil easel painting restoration and fine art conservation. We offer fine art restoration and picture cleaning services across the North West of England, We also offer a National Painting Restoration service. Bloomfield Art is an associate member of the British Association of Paintings Conservators - Restorer's (BAPCR). We have a selection of quality antique oils for sale please visit our website to see our current stock, we offer free international shipping:

https://www.bloomfieldart.co.uk/categ...

We have completed art restoration work on behalf of Christies London, National Gallery Ireland, the NHS, local authorities, schools, churches and historic houses. We have also worked on paintings by Sir Terry Frost, Ambrose McAvoy, Mary Fedden, Kyffin Williams, Robert Lenkiewicz, Helen Bradley, L.S. Lowry, R.R. Reinagle, J. Hoppner, W. Sant, and many others. James Bloomfield is an accredited art restorer and artist who has worked on thousands of oil paintings. He was selected for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize in 2012, and his artworks are held in museum collections across the UK. He lives and works in Manchester, England.
Bloomfield Art Restoration examines a damaged portrait fragment submitted by a descendant to uncover the history behind its preservation. Through meticulous cleaning and structural repairs, the delicate canvas is stabilized and prepared for display, while preserving the evidence of the traumatic past it has endured.
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Bloomfield Art Restoration
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