Hatchments and church paintings
Specialist conservation of hatchments, altarpieces and memorial paintings, including packing, transport, reframing and advice on display conditions in church interiors.
Painting restoration in Dorset
Rosalind Whitehouse's connection with Dorset is a working one: she recently conserved the hatchment at Powerstock Church — cleaning away decades of dirt and discoloured varnish to reveal the griffin crest and vivid heraldic colour beneath, then overseeing its reframing, packing and safe return.
From her Frome studio, she works with churches, collections and private owners across Dorset — Dorchester, Bridport, Sherborne, Weymouth and the surrounding villages.
Recent work in Dorset
The Powerstock hatchment is a good example of what careful conservation achieves: a painting that had darkened almost beyond recognition was cleaned, stabilised and returned to the church in condition to be appreciated for generations.
Dorset's churches and houses hold many paintings in similar condition — darkened varnish, flaking paint, frames in need of attention. An initial assessment costs little and tells you exactly where you stand.
Services in Dorset
Cleaning and restoration
Tested, controlled cleaning of discoloured varnish and surface dirt, retouching of losses, and structural repair of canvases and panels.
Reports for faculties and funders
Clear condition reports and treatment proposals suitable for faculty applications, grant applications and PCC discussions.
Discuss a painting in Dorset
Tell Rosalind about your painting — its condition, its history, or simply what worries you about it — and she will advise on the next step. Collection and delivery can be arranged, so your painting need not travel with you.