In a bid to help raise funds to conserve it for the future, restoration work on a rarely seen painting by East Lothian artist John Bellany will be carried out live in public.
The Harvester is at the centre of an exhibition of art by Port Seton’s famous former resident Bellany at the John Gray Centre in Haddington after years out of the public eye.
Professional conservator Owen Davison will carry out the work in the public gallery as well as giving people the chance to ask questions about the work during two days on July 8 and July 23 with more dates expected to be announced as funds allow.
East Lothian Council Museums Service is hoping the public sessions will help raise funds to continue the work which is being covered by local authority and grant funding as well as donations with visitors able to contribute at the centre and play a part in the restoration.
The Harvester is central to the exhibition which displays lesser known works by Bellany and is described as an exceptional work that departs from the artist’s usual style.
Once displayed at the now demolished Chesser House in Edinburgh, the painting later hung in a stairwell at Brunton Hall, Musselburgh.
After years out of public view, the painting has been included in the exhibition with is being presented in partnership with the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) and was curated by Helen Bellany the wife of the late artist and Alexander Moffat RSA.
Born in Port Seton in 1942, Bellany became one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Scottish art, achieving international recognition for his bold, emotionally charged paintings.
The exhibition features works from the Bellany estate, the private collection of Alexander Moffat RSA, the East Lothian Council collection, and loans from the Royal Scottish Academy and is on at the John Gray Centre until the middle of September.
Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet spokesperson for community well-being and sport, countryside and leisure, urged people to support the restoration work.
He said: “Whilst we have been able to fund part of the conservation work from our existing budget, we have been really grateful for donations received so far to support this conservation work and will continue to explore grant funding options.
“Any further donations will be hugely important in preserving this unique work for future generations.”
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
