Art restoration often involves more than repairing paint and varnish. Sometimes it means preserving personal history. This self portrait from 1932 arrived at our Cathays studio through a family member of a remarkable woman who fled Nazi persecution and made her way safely to the United Kingdom, carrying this painting with her.

The family asked us to bring the painting back into shape, not to change it, but to ensure it could survive for future generations. From the first inspection, it was clear this was not just an artwork. It was a witness to survival.

The painting is a self portrait, oil on board, completed in 1932. The sitter presents herself with confidence and strength, qualities that feel especially significant given what would follow only a few years later.
According to the family, the artist belonged to a high society Jewish background. When the threat of Nazi persecution became unavoidable, she fled to the UK and took this portrait of herself with her. While much else was left behind, this painting travelled with her and remained in the family.
When the artwork arrived at our studio, it carried visible signs of age, wear and movement across decades and borders. However, the expression in the portrait remained strikingly direct.

We began with full documentation, recording the surface condition, edges and reverse of the board.

The painting showed surface dirt, localised staining and aged varnish that dulled the original tones. Small areas of paint loss and abrasion appeared across the surface, particularly in the background and along the edges. Several markings and inscriptions were visible on the back, including a date and hand written notes.
Before any treatment, we carried out emulsion tests, solvent tests and neutraliser tests to ensure the paint layers could tolerate cleaning. These tests guide every stage of responsible art restoration in Cardiff.

The first step involved gently brushing the back of the board and lightly wiping the surface to remove loose dust. Even this initial cleaning revealed more clarity in the sitter’s features.

Next, I performed a controlled deep clean. Using carefully selected solvents, I removed varnish in strategic areas only. This approach allowed dirt and discolouration to lift while protecting the sensitive paint beneath.
As the varnish softened, the colour balance improved and the portrait regained depth. The skin tones warmed and the brushwork became more readable.

After cleaning, small areas of paint loss and abrasion remained visible. I retouched these sections using dry pigments mixed in varnish medium.
The aim was never to over correct. Instead, the retouching gently reintegrated damaged areas so the portrait reads as whole, without erasing the passage of time that gives it meaning.

Once the retouching was complete, I applied Damar Gloss Varnish PC-1030 to protect the surface and unify the finish.
This final layer restored balance between matte and gloss areas and ensured long term protection while remaining reversible, an essential principle in professional conservation work.

After restoration, the self portrait appears calm, confident and present. The damage no longer distracts from the sitter’s gaze, and the surface reads clearly without losing its age.
For the family, the restoration was about care rather than transformation. The painting still carries its history, but now it can continue to be passed down safely.
Projects like this remind us why art restoration in Cardiff matters. Sometimes preserving a painting also preserves memory, identity and survival.

We carry out sensitive art restoration in Cardiff for paintings with both artistic and personal significance. Whether an artwork needs cleaning, stabilisation or full conservation, our Cathays studio offers careful, respectful treatment for clients across Cardiff and South Wales.
You can learn more about our restoration services here:

https://cgnf.co.uk/art-restoration-cardiff/