Conservation work to famous Nelson artwork
Following an extensive restoration project, an original copy of Arthur William Devis’ THE DEATH OF NELSON has gone on display at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Once located aboard HMS Victory, an original copy of Arthur William Devis’ The Death of Nelson has undergone elaborate restoration.
The artwork, which is a contemporary version by the artist that was created for – and won – a competition in 1805, depicts the last moments of one of Britain’s most celebrated military leaders. It subsequently served as a memorial to Nelson when installed on the orlop deck of his flagship in the 1920s. However, in 2016, after conservators at the National Museum of the Royal Navy grew increasingly concerned about its condition on the cold, damp, centuries-old vessel, the painting was removed to a more stable environment for the critical work to be carried out.
With a grant provided by the Art Fund, the team at the museum was able to bring in professionals from Brick House Fine Art Conservation to repair the damaged frame, remove layers of varnish and return The
Death of Nelson to its former glory. Figures previously obscured have since become crystal-clear. As a fitting tribute, Devis’ masterpiece now hangs at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Nelson gallery for all ticket-holders to see, a site dedicated to the story and myth of the iconic vice-admiral.
Diana Davis, head of conservation at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, says: “We are very grateful to the Art Fund for the Conservation Grant that allowed us to get this very significant object conserved and back on display in Portsmouth.”