Valentine Walsh is a conservator of fine paintings. She treats easel paintings, murals and polychrome (painted) sculpture. Her practice spans medieval works on panels, Old Master paintings and contemporary pieces.
In more than 40 years as a conservator, Valentine has developed expertise across most areas of European art. She remains at the forefront of developments in her field through her own research and participation in continuous professional development. Her status as an Institute of Conservation (ICON) accredited conservator reflects the care and sensitivity with which she approaches each project. Valentine and her assistants aim to give clients the best advice, being careful to undertake appropriate technical analysis as required. Her special expertise in pigment analysis supports her understanding of the nature of historic paint.
Valentine is an active participant in the major national and international conservation bodies. She has been honoured with fellowships to the Society of Antiquaries Society of Antiquaries (FSA), and the International Institute for Conservation (FIIC) as well as achieving accredited status from ICON Institute of Conservation (ACR), and Professional Associate status from the American Institute for Conservation (PA AIC).
Her studio in Monmouthshire is well equipped to treat most conservation challenges including large paintings or sculptures. Crucially, whatever she does should be reversible wherever possible. Valentine always uses conservation grade materials and appropriate techniques. Conservation treatments comply with professional codes of practice and draw on her extensive practical experience and up to date theoretical knowledge accrued by keeping abreast of academic research findings within her profession.
Valentine undertakes major collection surveys, advises on storage, environmental control and monitoring, insurance, transport and other collection care issues. She has also undertaken disaster response and disaster planning for institutions and coordinated projects requiring detailed scientific research. As co-founder of The Pigmentum Project and lead author, she works with Oxford University’s Institute of Archaeology.
Valentine Walsh has an extensive client base, ranging from national museums through to London’s West End dealers and individual collectors. Her clients include the Imperial War Museum, the Museum of London, the Royal Naval Museum, the Jerwood Foundation and Wadham College, Oxford.