Matthew H. Goldsmith has been at the forefront of painting conservation and restoration in the heart of London for more than twenty-five years.

He studied Fine Art Conservation at Gateshead College of Technology, now part of Newcastle University, followed by a four year apprenticeship with George Aczel, one of London's most highly respected restorers, eventually setting up as an independent in 1975.

Some three thousand square feet of studio space close to London's Tower Bridge are dedicated to the preservation, conservation and restoration of many of the world's greatest works of art dating from the 16th century to the present day. These have included works by Lucas Cranach, Cuyp, Holbien, Van Dyke, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Joseph Wright of Derby, Etty, Pissarro, Seurat, Van Gogh, Picasso, Ernst, Francis Bacon and Keith Harring - each and every painting being treated with the care, devotion and respect they so clearly deserve.

Matthew Goldsmith closely examining a painting prior to restoration

A member of Matthew Goldsmith's restoration team restoring a portrait

'Brushes and Pigments'

Matthew Goldsmith and an assistant discussing the restoration of a painting

The first stages of cleaning a painting

Members of the restoration team at work

The studio is equipped with the largest vacuum operated hot table in private hands within Europe; thus ensuring that lining and indeed all aspects of the conservation process are undertaken 'in house' and never sub-contracted. Maintaining total control of all phases of the restoration process, from receiving the painting into the studio, to completion and eventual return to its owner is a central concept at Trade Painting.

A team of internationally trained, multilingual staff ensure that only the highest possible standards are achieved in order to meet the demands of a discerning client base. These include galleries and collectors in Great Britain, the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland, Greece and the Middle East. In addition, the collections within many of England's famous country houses including those of Earl Howe, Lord and Lady Arran and the Honorable David Astor have all received the care and attention for which we are renowned. The world's major auction houses including Sotheby's and Christies are also among our regular clients.

Matthew Goldsmith & members
of his staff with a picture in the
process of being cleaned and restored