Art Restoration

Established in 1976, Francis W Downing Ltd is a fine-art conservation studio based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. With more than forty years of experience, we specialise in conserving and restoring easel paintings, including oil and egg-tempera works, as well as decorative fixed painted-wood structures. Our studio is equipped with modern conservation tools and techniques, allowing us to care for artworks from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary acrylic pieces.

We are trusted by museums, galleries, the National Trust, historic houses, churches, auction houses, local authorities, fine-art insurers, loss adjusters, and private clients across the United Kingdom and Europe. We are committed to preserving artworks regardless of their age, quality, or value. Francis W Downing ACR is an Accredited Conservator and an active member of professional bodies, including the Italian IGIIC and the Association of Consulting Scientists.

Our Services

Conservation and Restoration Of Paintings

Condition Reports

Preventative Conservation Advice

On-site Visits and Work

Fire and Flood Emergency Response

Disaster Planning

Damage Assessment

Collection and Delivery

Conservation Framing (national Trust Standard)

Forensic Investigation Of Artworks

Lectures On Art Conservation and Forgery Detection

And More...

Our conservation and restoration work covers cleaning, repairing, and stabilising artworks. We safely remove discoloured varnish and ingrained surface dirt, consolidate flaking paint, and rectify structural damage to canvases and panels. All treatments are recorded with thorough photographic and written documentation, and we employ reversible, museum-approved materials throughout.

We also undertake forensic investigations to detect and analyse forged paintings. By combining technical examination with provenance research, we assist fine-art insurers, loss adjusters, and law-enforcement agencies across the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. In addition, we deliver lectures and training sessions that share practical insights into forgery detection and the long-term care of paintings.