Two paintings which have hung in the Forres Tolbooth for nearly 200 years have been restored.
An invited audience heard from Forres Heritage volunteer Alex Ross, historian Yvonne Findlay, and restorers Sophie Percival and Gail Egan, about the paintings’ history and the work to bring them back to their former glory.
The Tournament and The Riding of the Marches both date from 1841, painted by Thomas Cranmer, and hang in the courtroom of the Tolbooth.
Alex led the campaign to fundraise for the restorations, which included donations from local councillors and the Pilgrim Trust.
Sophie and Gail, who both work for Egan, Matthews and Rose, explained how the layers of dirt and nicotimne had built up over the years, and removing it revealed features that are now clear to see. They said they would not likely need to be restored for another 200 years.
The trustees also wanted to acknowledge the help of White and Co, who provided transportation for the paintings between Forres and the restorers.
