Museum artefacts cleaned up ahead of reopening

Clytie by G. F. Watts is one of the exhibits undergoing renovation

More than 90 museum artefacts are to undergo expert conservation, cleaning, and repair in preparation for a museum reopening.

Lancashire Conservation Studios will be carrying out "the meticulous treatment" of the treasured objects from The Harris collection in the Harris Museum, Preston.

The city council said the work included "glazing selected paintings to protect them during display" and "carefully mounting fragile historic textiles on specially crafted mannequins, safeguarding them for future generations".

Collection favourites like the marble sculpture Clytie by G. F. Watts, will experience cutting-edge laser cleaning technology to "restore its original brilliance", it added.

The museum reopens next year

The conservation efforts will also reveal several rare pieces that have not been seen by the public for many years, such as a cotton and wool dress dating back to the 1850s, a portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Grimshaw, leader of the Royal Preston Volunteers, painted in 1801, and a Victorian mother-of-pearl tea caddy.

Councillor Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council said the work was a "great opportunity to conserve objects that haven't been on display for a long time" to ensure they look their best for when The Harris reopens next year.

Lancashire Conservation Studios has already begun its work, with the first batch of 10 paintings, along with an assortment of sculptures and history objects, already in the studio for treatment.