Collection Blog

The exhibition “Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within” presented a unique opportunity for the Museum to undertake the preservation and conservation of Elisabeth Frink’s original plaster sculptures, which were originally intended to be cast in bronze.

Several years after Frink’s death in 1993, these delicate plasters had been stored alongside various other objects in a warehouse. It was amidst the confusion and dusty conditions of this storage space that they were eventually discovered, carefully wrapped in blankets.

These remarkable sculptures offer us a glimpse into Frink’s artistic process and provide valuable insights into her creative mind. The exposed metal armatures, where sections of plaster have fallen away over time, reveal the inner workings of her sculptural techniques. The textured surfaces and additional materials incorporated by Frink during her work further enhance our understanding of her artistic vision.

In 2023, thanks to the generous support from The Finnis Scott Foundation through a grant, these invaluable pieces underwent meticulous conservation efforts led by Peter Martindale – an accredited conservator affiliated with ICON. The conservation work took place at the Collections Discovery Centre conservation studio located within Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. This deliberate choice allowed visitors to witness firsthand the ongoing progress made in preserving these significant artworks.

The comprehensive conservation process involved delicately repositioning the displaced ear of the Standing Horse sculpture back into its original position. Additionally, great care was taken to securely fix the front leg of Standing Dog into place – a task requiring precision and expertise. Furthermore, areas, where plaster loss had occurred, were meticulously restored using toning techniques that seamlessly blended with the surrounding surfaces.

While subtle, these restoration results have proven highly effective in reviving and stabilizing these exquisite sculptures. As a result, we are delighted to be able to exhibit many of these preserved artworks within a dedicated section that aims to recreate Frink’s studio atmosphere – an environment that played an integral role in shaping her artistic practice.

Moreover, with their newfound stability ensured through careful conservation efforts, these sculptures are now able to embark on tours to other prestigious venues. Notably, they will be showcased at the Swindon Museum & Art Gallery and The Salisbury Museum, allowing a wider audience to appreciate and engage with Frink’s remarkable artistic legacy.