International Academic Projects: Investigating Historic Paint Layers

Virtual seminar on investigating the paint layers of historic structures

In this virtual seminar, Patrick Baty (who has been described as ‘The Paint Detective’) explains, by showing case studies, the wide range of issues and the type of projects that he is faced with when asked to investigate the paint layers of historic structures. The process, which includes the taking of samples from buildings, bridges and architectural details to produce a forensic history of the decoration from creation to the present day, involves the examination of cross-sections and microscopic analysis.  Case studies include that of a house with discreet Royal connections; work on the State Rooms at Stowe; and the finding of a hidden mural in the Chelsea house owned by the painter James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Patrick Baty is interested in the decoration of historic buildings. His work covers research, paint analysis, colour & technical advice and colour surveys. Projects have covered a 400-year period and have ranged widely. He works mainly in the UK but has also worked in the USA.

He lectures on a variety of subjects and has published numerous articles, also contributing to and revising several books on colour and decoration. In 2017 his The Anatomy of Colour was published by Thames & Hudson, who have also published his ‘Nature’s Palette’ in April 2021. He and his wife run the family business Papers and Paints, based in London.