Restoration of the James Barry murals at Royal Society of arts: For the first time for more than eighty years the vast murals by James Barry (1741-1806) in the lecture hall of the Royal Society of Arts, John Adam Street London are being restored. The removal of the many layers of grime and varnish applied generations ago reveals a wealth of hiherto invisible colour and detail. The paintings circle the lecture hall are six in number - 11ft. 10 in the depth and extend for 140ft. Barry was the Stormy Petrel of London art in the 18th. century. He painted the murals free the society supplying the materials between 1777-1785 and on completion and he received the proceeds when the pictures were thrown open to the public. With little money he lived on bread and apples during the seven years of painting the murals. Photo shows Restoration work being carried out today at the Royal Society of Arts.
Photo measures 8.25 x 6.25 inches.
Photo is dated 09-09-1959.
Photo back:
