John Jenkinson's painting 'View from Penwortham Hill', painted 1821 and on show at the Harris now, has been damaged by restoration attempts made prior to the museum buying it in the 1950s. It shows the development of Preston as a town, directly alongside an area that was still rural agricultural land and includes landmarks we recognise today like Avenham Colonnade and the Minster. Without urgent treatment the painting will degrade until it can no longer be displayed and enjoyed by local people.

Conservators at Lancashire County Museums Conservation Studio are on standby to give the painting the special care it desperately needs. With your help they will be able to • remove discoloured varnish, old retouching and overpaint • patch damage with synthetic fabric and adhesive, and strip line edges • fill and in-paint areas of paint loss • re-varnish the painting • provide a new frame backing board to prevent dust/moisture damage • add new non-reflective lightweight glazing