Goya's portrait back at National Gallery

May 05, 1965 - Goya's Portrait Of The Duke Of Wellington Is Back At The National Gallery. Goya's Portrait of the Duke of Wellington which was stolen from the National Gallery in August, 1961 - is back at the Gallery. It was returned by the police after it has been left in a left-luggage office at Birmingham's New-street Station. An expert examination of the painting has been made. It is in fundamentally good condition. But when it was acquired by the Gallery there were three cracks in the panel, two at the top, on at the bottom, and during its enforced captivity elsewhere these have tended to open. This has caused dome damage to the paint which will have to be repaired. There are also superficial scratches on the varnish which can easily be dealt with. Ultimately it may be necessary to carry out fundamental treatment to the cradle to prevent the cracks reappearing. But it is hoped that temporary repair can be completed when it will be placed on view in the Spanish Room. For reasons which will be readily appreciated, it has been thought desirable, at least for the time being, to protect the picture with a plastic shield. Keystone Photo Shows:- Mr. Micheal Levey, Assistant Keeper (right), with Mr. Arthur Lucas, Cheif Restorer, who is seen pointing to cracks in the painting - at the Gallery

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Acquired Appreciated Birminghams Captivity Caused Cheif Cracks Cradle Dealt Desirable Easily Elsewhere Enforced Examination Expert Fundamental Fundamentally Goyas Hoped Keeper Least Levey Micheal Necessary Placed Prevent Protect Readily Reasons Repair Repaired Restorer Returned Scratches Stolen Superficial Temporary Tended Ultimately Varnish Wellington

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