Charles Lock Eastlake to Faraday   17 June 1859

National Gallery. | 17 June 1859

My dear Sir

I am requested by the Trustees of the National Gallery to ask you whether, in the course of your inquiries respecting gas used for lighting¹, those inquiries have been extended to the effects of such gas on pictures and on gilt frames. Should you have come to any conclusion on that subject I have to request that you will kindly furnish me, for the information of the Trustees, with the result of your observations.

It has been proposed that the Vernon² and Turner³ pictures - which are to be removed in the course of the next two or three months from Marlborough House to some galleries annexed to the Museum at South Kensington - should be exhibited there not only during the day but by gas light, for the benefit and enjoyment of those whose occupations may prevent them from seeing such works by day⁴.

This object must in itself be regarded as most desirable; The chief question for the Trustees to consider in connexion with it is, whether the lighting with gas would be in any way prejudicial to the pictures. The effects of gas on gilt frames, though not to be overlooked, would be of less importance, and as regards any doubt arising from conditions of the bequests, such doubt would, I understand, resolve itself into the main question respecting the safety of the pictures.

It would be desirable to ascertain, as far as possible, the effects of gas:

On oil, as used in painting.

On glutinous substances, such as size &c.

On resins dissolved in essential oils and used as varnishes.

On mineral and other substances from which colours are prepared.

On recently painted pictures as compared with pictures long since executed.

Lastly it would be important to know whether any of the contrivances which profess to remove or to neutralize the deleterious effects of gas can be considered altogether efficacious.

I am, My dear Sir, | Yours faithfully | C.L.E

Professor Faraday F.R.S. | &c &c &c | Royal Institution | Albemarle St.