A hidden gem

It came as a surprise to renovators when, on a wintry day in Kingston, they uncovered a Mediterranean port hidden behind a false wall.

The Mediterranean port makes up the scene on a long-forgotten, 3.4 by 1.8 metre oil on canvas mural that had hung hidden behind the wall at 16 Bath Rd. for approximately 40 years. Queenā€™s students will have the opportunity to give the painting a new lease on life by the Springer Group of Companies, the property owner which has donated the mural to the Master of Art Conservation Program.

ā€œRestoring this painting is a perfect degree of complexity for a beginnerā€™s project,ā€ says Michael Oā€™Malley, a professor of painting conservation. Restoration is expected to take about 100 hours or more.