An exclusive talk revealing what was involved in the conservation of the green dress featured in George Frederic Watts’ 1872 portrait
Executive Circle members, Patrons and our Adopt A Watts supporters are invited to hear from expert Textile Conservator Rebecca Bissonnet ACR on what was involved in getting the green dress exhibition ready.
This elegant green velvet and silk gown, worn by Virginia Dalrymple in George Frederic Watts’ 1872 portrait, will be displayed alongside the painting for a limited time in our upcoming exhibition. Normally kept in storage due to its fragility, the dress offers a rare glimpse into the personal world of the artist and his sitter.
This is an exclusive event for our Executive Circle, Patrons and some of our Adopt a Watts supporters. Invitations to book onto these events will be emailed individually. Please contact the Development team with any questions: Development@wattsgallery.org.uk
The inclusion of the dress in the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see a work of art and its real-life counterpart reunited- a moment where canvas and cloth come together to reveal the human stories behind the collection.
Held in storage since 2011, the dress was in urgent need of conservation to ensure its preservation and allow it to be stable enough for display.
During this special evening talk, attendees will hear all about the conservation process – followed by out of hours access to the exhibition and refreshments in the Historic Galleries.
Rebecca Bissonnet ACR is an accredited Textile Conservator with over 20 years’ experience in the conservation of historic textiles. After training at the Royal School of Needlework and completing a Master’s in Textile Conservation, she has worked across museums and heritage organisations both in the UK and internationally.
Formerly Textile Treatment Supervisor at Historic Royal Palaces, she led major conservation projects at Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace. In 2021, she established RB Textile Conservation, a private practice offering specialist services to museums, collections, and private clients.
Her expertise covers a wide range of materials and techniques, from costume and ecclesiastical textiles to preventive care, mounting, and bespoke display solutions. Rebecca is also known for her appearances as a textile expert on the BBC’s The Repair Shop.