Historic notes on preparations

CONSISE NOTES ON PREPARATION OF GROUNDS, PRIMINGS AND OTHER MATERIALS.

by

Arthur Lucas

Former Keeper of Conservation

The National Gallery, London

 

In 1950 Arthur Lucas was invited by the Slade Professor, Sir William Coldstream to lecture and demonstrate the methods and materials of painting to Slade students, who previously (since the 1930’s) had been taught a course called Chemistry of Painter’s Materials, by Mr H Terrey from the department of chemistry.

Lucas taught twice weekly lectures and the Methods and Materials Room in the basement of the Slade was established. The room, now a sculpture studio, had a double sink and was fitted with cupboards around all walls to store equipment with surfaces for the preparation of materials. In the centre was a magnificent large table for the preparation of panels and stretching of canvases.

Arthur Lucas taught regularly at the Slade up until his retirement from the National Gallery in the 1980’s and then only occasionally. At the end of his career his notes where complied and produced at the Slade into this small book. It contains information on supports, grounds, glues, varnishes and frames and is a testament to his life’s work and dedication to teaching.

 

Notes on Preparations of Grounds, Primings and Other Materials by Arthur Lucas