Conservation of the Charles Marsh PortraitTSAL007

This unique portrait of Charles Marsh FSA (1735-1812) by the portrait painter Lemuel Francis Abbott (1760/1-1802) has been gifted to the Society by a generous benefactor.  It is a wonderful addition to our collection of portraits of notable antiquaries of the 
eighteenth-century.
The portrait which is traditionally attributed to Abbott speaks to a moment in the Society’s history and contemporary debate about antiquities.  A few months after his election as a Fel-low in January 1784, Marsh gave a paper to the Society on the Barberini vase which was the subject of much discussion at the time. The vase is depicted in the painting. Today it is more famously known as the Portland Vase, one of the great treasures in the British Museum. 
Abbott was an artist known for his portraits of prominent 18th century British figures and for accurately capturing the likeness of his subjects.  His most well-known portrait is that of Lord Nelson, in the National Gallery.  This portrait of Marsh which probably dates to the early 1790s is a fine example of his work. 
The painting is too fragile to display and requires essential conservation to the canvas and the original frame which will cost £10,000.  Donations totalling £3,000 have already been prom-ised. Once conserved the painting can be publicly displayed where it can be seen by all who visit Burlington House. This significant painting will also be available for loan to temporary-exhibitions. 
Donations will be acknowledged on a plaque beside the painting. £3000 has been pledged in support of conservation. We need your help to raise the £7000 shortfall to complete the project.

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