A member of the Gallery's Frame Conservation Department burnishing a frame.

Study and Care

The National Gallery's collection of paintings is one of the most closely studied and thoroughly researched in the world. Detailed examination of the pictures by curators, conservators and scientists working together inform the up-to-date information available to the public, from a label on the Gallery's walls, right through to the new series of in-depth scholarly catalogues currently in preparation.

Many modern scientific methods are available to give insights into the ways the artists created their masterpieces. Powerful microscopes and chemical analysis of minute samples of paint can reveal much information on the pigments and media used to create a painting, and reveal the layer structures involved. X-radiographs and infrared reflectography allow the artist's preliminary thoughts beneath the paint layers to be made visible.

Looking after the pictures so future generations will enjoy them involves ensuring that the Gallery's environment is carefully controlled at the correct levels to preserve the collections. The paintings themselves are regularly monitored by the Gallery's conservators in case treatment is needed to prevent deterioration.

New research by National Gallery curators, scientists and conservators is published every year in the 'National Gallery Technical Bulletin', which is now available to purchase online.

Study and Care Frequently Asked Questions