G. Beddoe, framed oil painting (1927)

Statement of Significance

The oil painting pictured above (Figure 1) holds an important place in the private collection of the author, functioning primarily as an aesthetic object but also as a sentimental one. It was obtained at ECLECTICA, an antiques shop on the Isle of Wight, where it arrived as the product of a home clearing on the island. Little else is known about its origin, but the painting is signed recto and attributed verso to G. Beddoe (Figures 9 and 10).

It is important to note condition issues, such as a puncture lower left (Figure 13, A), abrasion lower right (Figure 13, B) and cracking, which is especially prominent under transmitted light and in impastoed areas (Figures 11 and 12). The auxiliary support has contributed to a stretcher mark (recto) and displays some splintering (recto) and dust (Figures 14 and 15). Under UV light, more recent damages are clear along the tacking margin, likely due to the metal fixtures attached on all four sides (Figure 17). 

Despite a mysterious provenance, the object retains historical significance punctuated by its date and attribution. It can speak to the history of domestic life, hobby painting, and the commercial art supply industry. The presence of black specks on the frame might be significant as a result of ‘distressing’ objects to make them appear older or, in the case that they are a corrosion material, could be scientifically relevant (Figure 16) (Graham, 2021). Because the painting is unvarnished and already experienced some losses, samples could be used for pigment analysis. It is also a valuable educational tool to display the effects of environmental degradation on paintings. Continued surface loss will lessen the object’s aesthetic value over time, though social value to the owner will likely increase at an equal pace.

Graham, M. (2021). Object Assessment Project: Report 1. ARCL0113 Understanding and Researching Objects. University College London. Unpublished essay submitted as part of required coursework for the award of MA in Principles of Conservation.