Restorers reveal full glory 
of ‘Gothic’ church painting

For many years it was kept in storage, being in such poor condition that it could not be displayed to the public.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2013, 01:01 BST
Neil McGregor, museums officer, views the painting of St George's Church at Doncaster MuseumNeil McGregor, museums officer, views the painting of St George's Church at Doncaster Museum
Neil McGregor, museums officer, views the painting of St George's Church at Doncaster Museum

However now, a large-scale painting of St. George’s Church in Doncaster, produced by local artist James Farrington, has been conserved and reframed thanks to a generous grant.

The financial boost came from the Woodmansterne Art Conservation Awards 2012/2013, with additional financial help from the Friends of Doncaster Museum Service, The work which was painted by the artist only 30 years after the church was completed, records in almost photographic detail the Gothic splendour of George Gilbert Scott’s design, and the sympathetic layout of the church yard and surrounding buildings, including the original town library, which can be seen on the right of the painting.

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Deputy Mayor councillor John McHale, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, Community Safety, Culture and Leisure, said: “The picture was painted when Farrington was only 25 years old, and with this year marking the 50th anniversary of his death it is appropriate that the painting is back on display and restored to its former glory.”

Members of the artist’s family last year travelled over from America to see the painting. They were so excited by the prospect of the picture being restored that they donated some funds to help pay for it.

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