This new exhibition explores Bess and her family through the themes of creation, conservation and investigation. It brings together family portraits and other significant objects from the collection to reveal new insights into both the artworks and the people they depict.

On the ground floor, the museum rooms have been transformed into an introduction to the world of conservation, offering an in‑depth look at the technical analysis behind each portrait. Discover how infrared imaging, x‑radiography and macro XRF scanning are used, and what these techniques reveal about the artists’ creative processes. You can also watch a short film that explores the conservation of two portraits from the collection, showcasing the specialist skills involved.

Throughout the rest of the house, follow the signage to find additional objects from the collection that uncover further stories about Bess and her family.

Description supplied by the event organiser.