Historic Recreative Painting




	The field of historic re-creation and conjectural painting requires expertise and a range of skills and techniques. When architectural renovation schemes call for painted friezes or ceilings in a contemporary style, it is often to an artist like June McEwan that they turn. The early stages of such projects can involve paint analysis, historic research and detailed knowledge of pigments, traditional painting materials and styles. June's reputation is growing in this specialist area and the positive feedback from clients and the general public attest to her abilities to produce quality work on time and within budget. (Click on images to see close-ups)

	IN 1998, HISTORIC Scotland was asked to return The King's Dining in Edinburgh Castle to its former glory. It was decided, on the basis of enough historical evidence (existing contemporary rooms in the castle), that early 17th century decor would adorn the finished
		room, and that a painted frieze design would form the centrepiece. Artist June McEwan was brought to take over and continue research into appropriate materials, design layout, heraldic imagery, on-site work and liaison between the Project Architect, Historic Scotland and Edinburgh Castle. June formulated a design based on heraldic frames framed by cartouches, linked with strapwork and 17th century motifs. The main frieze was painted in oils using 17th pigments and other materials; the plasterwork above the fireplaces were in tempera. More on The King's Dining Room

	The Tower of Halbar, a Category A Listed Scheduled Ancient Monument, has recently been restored to its former glory by The Vivat Trust, a charity dedicated to rescuing neglected buildings. The centrepiece of this project is a magnificent painted ceiling in 17th century style recreated by artist June McEwan. June hand-ground imported pigments mixed with ox-gall and applied using rabbitskin glue size distemper. The oak beams and pine-panelled ceiling have been festooned with elaborate scrolls, proud stags, squabbling geese, lop-eared bunnies and images of abundant fruit and vegetables to symbolise the fertility of the Clyde Valley. More on the Tower of Halbar

	Simpson and Brown, the renowned Edinburgh firm who specialise in historical and traditional architectural conservation, employed June McEwan to create an octagonal cupola painting, in oils, in rococo style. The clients were delighted with the result.

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