Moving Sir Robert Stout

12 May 2022

Archibald Frank Nicoll 1886 – 1953; Sir Robert Stout, 1919, Oil on canvas, ATL Ref: G-823-3

How do we relocate a large heritage painting with various condition issues including warping of the painting and frame to a destination where it can receive specialist care? With dimensions of 1275 x 1020mm and an additional unstable plaster frame, this is no easy task. The warped portrait is susceptible to any stress making support of this work in transport paramount to achieving an optimal outcome.

Conservators from the Alexander Turnbull Library and colleagues from Te Papa, have found a bespoke solution to transport this work. As the images indicate, it took significant effort on behalf of several staff to make this happen.

Funding from the Stout Trust has enabled this work to wing its way to Studio Carolina Izzo for remedial care and treatment. Specialist cleaning, repairs and treatment to the painting and frame and the addition of museum quality glazing, will be undertaken over the coming months.

The portrait by A F Nicoll of Sir Robert Stout was commissioned in 1919 and transferred to the Alexander Turnbull Library in 1977. A century after being painted, and after 45 years in the collection, this treatment will soon enable to be shared more widely again.

We are grateful too for the Stout Trust’s commitment to further funding for the companion portrait of Lady Stout to also get underway later this year.

We look forward to Sir Robert and Lady Stout reunited at the Turnbull in their former glory, in the coming months.

Our thanks to the imaging and conservation teams from ATL for undertaking this work.

Photos courtesy of Mark Beatty, Imaging Services, ATL

This is part of the Paintings in Perpetuity campaign to fund remedial treatment to works within the Alexander Turnbull Library collection.