Friends breathe new life into old paintings at city gallery

The pictures were identified as priorities for treatment following the launch of the Adopt a Painting initiative in 2007, and the latest project means seven works have now been treated thanks to the generosity of individual sponsors who are Friends of the Ferens.

One of the two recently restored paintings is a mid-19th century marine by JW Carmichael, who is described as one of the best and most romantic of mid-Victorian seascape painters, who built up a national reputation.

Portrait of a Lady by Percy Jacomb-Hood is an elegant society painting of a sitter who was known only as Jenny.

Little is known about the artist today, although he enjoyed a considerable reputation during his lifetime.

Brian Hill, chairman of the Friends of the Ferens, said: “It’s heartening to note the tangible differences that the Friends organisation is making by supporting the gallery in many important ways. Our membership never fails to impress me with their generosity and hard work.”

The Friends were formed 50 years ago and has about 400 members. A sister scheme, the Business Friends of Ferens, was launched for companies last year.