418 Restoration of Jaded Colours in the Raphael Tapestries. 



where extensive landscape, ranges of buildings, and foliage 

 have sprung up, like magic, on parts quite obscured when 

 up in London eight months back, much of which is either 

 worn, or torn out of Raphael's patterns at Hampton, and 

 painted over, and known only through the means of these 

 Leo Tapestries. 



I should have much pleasure in giving you any further in- 

 formation on the subject I am capable of, or in showing the 

 works to any persons taking an interest in them. 



I am, &c. Wm. Trull. 



Coventry, April 17, 1839. 



My former letter in regard to the extraordinary changes 

 the Raphael Tapestries had undergone the last seven months, 

 use as you think proper. I regret not being able to give you a 

 scientific description from the first, and the progress; and the 

 absence of a gentleman acquainted with the chemical effects 

 of light and air, to have noted the changes, is much to be 

 regreted both for science and art. The works themselves be- 

 ing unique, and of above three centuries, so placed for so 

 many years in continued damp to effect such mischief to the 

 colours, are circumstances never to occur again. 



Some colours entirely changed, others in confusion and 

 apparently gone, yet by the mere effects of light and air, 

 slowly and quietly resume the chief of their original 

 tints ! Flesh reappears, hair on the head starts up; the grand 

 muscular effect and unique power of expression, only found 

 in Raphael and Michael Angelo, are finely developed where 

 a few months back appeared a plain surface ! Here are the 

 works, and the facts may be nffw ascertained. 



I have applied to the directors of the British Institu- 

 tion, Pall Mall, to permit one or two of these Tapestries to 

 be exhibited with the old masters in June; thus those who 

 saw them last year, may be able to see what they now are, 

 and both science and art may be served; for a comparison has 

 never yet been made, since the Cartoons were repaired and 

 painted upon, with the tapestry. 



I think. Sir, you will recollect my subject of the stoning 

 St. Stephen, the large masses of blue cloud-like appearance 

 hanging about and over Jerusalem : these have nearly disap- 

 peared, and mountain scenery taken the place ! The olive 

 grove, which only showed a few trees in front all blue, and a 

 heavy blue-like curtain was over all of the grove ; the curtain 

 has disappeared, and a fine deep grove is now seen ; the natural 

 green and mossy bank have nearly taken their original state; 

 fresh lights keep breaking out and showing even deeper in the 



