Christ in Glory, attributed to Nathaniel Hubert John Westlake
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
The painting is attributed to Nathaniel John Hubert Westlake and is thought to be the largest painting on canvas in Cambridge. The ambitious work measures 6.5 x 7 metres and depicts a total of 99 figures including 32 angels and 52 Martyrs. The painting is formed of numerous sections of canvas and is attached to the east wall of the chancel with adhesive and metal tacks. It seems likely that the individual sections of canvas were painted and then arranged together as they were attached to the wall. In recent years the painting had become difficult to read due to a thick layer of dirt and the effect of light falling from the windows above.
The painting was treated as part of a programme of work within the church including conservation of the organ and new lighting scheme throughout the building. Scaffolding was erected so that the entire surface of the painting could be accessed for treatment. A team of qualified paintings conservators were bought together to work on the painting over several weeks.
Christ in Glory, before treatment.
Scaffolding was built around the painting to ensure the entire surface could be accessed for treatment. The painting is covered by the top three tiers of scaffolding seen through the chancel arch.
Raking light detail showing the complex canvas construction secured in place with adhesive and metal tacks.
Detail of Christ's face during cleaning.
Conservators working on the scaffold.
Christ in Glory, after treatment and with new lighting installed.