John Hoyland was one of the most inventive and dynamic abstract painters of the post-war period. Over the span of more than a half-century his art and attitudes constantly evolved and a distinctive artistic personality emerged.

The Hunterian is currently showcasing conservation and research work on the Hoyland painting,18-6-69 painted in 1969. This work by Hoyland highlights his technique and approach to painting, an artist concerned with colour, painterly drama and both excess and control.

Come along to the Hunterian Art Gallery after hours to find out more about the artist and hear from experts on his practice. Witness the transformation of this painting live in the gallery and find out more about the technical examination, the art historical research and the conservation first hand. Featuring talks from Wiz Kelly, Studio and Archive Manager at Hoyland Studios and Patricia Smithen, Director of the Art Conservation Program at Queen’s University, exploring Hoyland’s painting style and techniques, and his approach to painting emotionally and practically.

Wiz Patterson Kelly has worked with the Hoyland estate for the last ten years as Studio Manager and is the co-editor of the John Hoyland Catalogue Raisonne. Following a BA. in Fine Art (Sculpture) at UAL Camberwell Art College (2003) she worked as an assistant for several sculptors, and latterly as Studio Manager for Sir Anthony Caro. It was through Caro that she came to work for the John Hoyland Estate.

Dr. Patricia Smithen is an Associate Professor (Paintings Conservation) in the Master of Art Conservation Program at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Her doctoral thesis from the University of London (Courtauld Institute) was on the Development and Impact of Artists’ Acrylic Paint in the UK. Her research interests include the conservation of modern and contemporary paintings, technical imaging and analysis, modern artist materials, and practical conservation treatments for paintings.

Hazel Neill is sole practitioner in a painting conservation practice formerly based in the conservation studio at Surrey History Centre in Woking. Hazel undertakes the care and treatment of oil paintings on canvas and panel with extensive experience of European and British pictures from the 17-19th centuries. In her practice as an independent conservator, she provides a museum standard of care with regards to treatment and documentation. Since 1999 Hazel has worked as a freelance conservation consultant for the Old Master and British Picture Department at Christies, London.

Christina Young is Head of Technical Art History at the University of Glasgow. She is currently conducting a Leverhulme Major Fellowship research project on the history and significance of scenic art and artists in Great Britain: The Power To Transform. Christina has continued her research and practice into conservation with two EPSRC-funded projects: IMPASTOW on the fatigue and fracture of panel paintings in collaboration with Imperial College and the National Trust, and Conserving Canvas in collaboration with The Hunterian, a Getty Foundation funded training and treatment project.

Hoyland and Hamilton, Conservation and Research at The Hunterian until 5 February, 2023