Exhibition highlights fine art of restoration

WHAT is now a Tyneside beauty spot was still a relative novelty when artist Charles George Jefferson chose to make it his next subject.

- TONY HENDERSON

Jesmond Dene in Newcastle was owned by industrialist and inventor Lord Armstrong, and he and his wife began the project of enhancing the natural feature in the 1860s.

In 1883, Armstrong gifted the dene to Newcastle and it was officially opened to the public in 1884.

Jefferson, who was born in South Shields, portrayed the dene in 1893, and now his painting is part of a new display which highlights the process of art conservation.

The Art of Conservation exhibition at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery runs until December 6.

It showcases a selection of artworks from the South Shields collection which have recently undergone specialist conservation treatment.

Some of the restored artworks have never been displayed publicly before or have not been on show for several years.

Geoff Woodward, museum manager, said: "The Art of Conservation gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the care and stories behind these amazing artworks.