Work in Progress: Restoring ‘Petworth’s Beauties’

This summer, Petworth is exhibiting two recently restored ‘Beauties’ portraits for the first time on site since they were returned to their original full-length size. Painted by the seventeenth-century artist Michael Dahl, these portraits of Rachel Russell, Duchess of Devonshire, and Mary Somerset, Duchess of Ormonde, are considered to be some of his finest works.

This work-in-progress display spotlights the extensive conservation work that has been undertaken to restore these two works to their former full-length glory. You can see the two restored paintings in the Exhibition Room at Petworth. Conservation of the Petworth ‘Beauties’ was funded by the National Trust with generous support from Philip Mould & Company.

Saturday 11 June – Sunday 30 October, 10:30am-4pm.

Free display, normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).

Image: Detail of the painting of Lady Mary Somerset, Duchess of Ormonde. ©National Trust Images/James Dobson