Restoration of historic Guildford painting in time for 80th anniversary D-Day celebrations
Restoration of historic Guildford painting in time for 80th anniversary D-Day celebrations
A painting, which has hung in our Guildhall for decades, has been restored and rehung ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Queen’s Royal (West Surrey) Regiment were given the Freedom of the Borough of Guildford in September 1944 to express Guildford’s pride in its close association with the regiment and to recognise their distinguished history. Artist Reginald Henry Lewis painted ‘The Queen’s Regiment Parade before the Mayor of Guildford, 1946’ from a photograph taken at the event. It shows the regiment marching past the Guildhall. Amanda Hargreaves, Heritage Lead at Guildford Borough Council said: “As we await a visit from 4th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment later this year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we’re so happy to see this painting restored to its former glory. “Without a protective coating, the unglazed surface of the painting had accumulated dirt over time, causing the colours to fade. Thanks to the generous support from The Queen’s Royal Surrey Combined Charities, we were able to enlist the expertise of painting conservator Alison Seed for its restoration. “This painting not only reflects our pride in our connection to The Queen’s Royal (West Surrey) Regiment but also shows our commitment to preserving our heritage. We’re thrilled and grateful to see it returned to its rightful place, looking as vibrant as ever.” Col. AC Ward OBE DL, Trustee from The Queen’s Royal Surrey Combined Charities, said: “The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) has had a long connection with Guildford. It was the local county regiment, as 4th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (its successor), is today. The Regimental Depot opened at Stoughton Barracks in 1876. So, it was very fitting for The Councillors and Aldermen of Guildford to grant the Freedom of the Borough to the Regiment in 1946. During the Second World War the Regiment fought in Western Europe, including Dunkirk in 1940 and Normandy in 1944. They also fought in the Far East and North Africa. “The Trustees felt it was right to restore RH Lewis’s painting for the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings this year and WWII’s end next year. We hope it can be a demonstration of the support and encouragement given to the Regiment and its successors, by the people of Guildford. 4th Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment is set to support our county D-Day freedom celebration in June.”
