Condition
The mural was very unstable, as the plaster on which it is painted had separated from the brick wall behind it. The paint layer was also damaged where numerous plugs had been inserted into the wall.
Treatment
Between 2012 and 2013, four paintings conservators travelled to live and work in the Bridge View Inn. Buoyed by community spirit and friendly locals, they worked long hours injecting glue, and filling cracks and holes. This initial stabilisation work was followed by extensive and laborious removal of overpaint. Finally, the retouching of paint losses restored bawdy nymphs, an innocent cupid, and a mischievous grinning satyr.
Results
The mural turned out to be not only a rare nineteenth century mural, but a quirky, historical reference to Rylstone identifies. It is typical of the artist A.B. Peirce (1840-1919) who painted it between 1872 and 1894.
Thanks to the research and hard work of the Rylstone Historical Society, the generosity of the community, and the skill of our conservators, the restored mural can now be enjoyed and treasured by the town, the state and the whole nation.
Before treatment
After treatment