After months of painstaking conservation work, the portrait of Mary Markendale has returned to Ordsall Hall, where it is once again on display for visitors to enjoy.

Mary Markendale lived at Ordsall Hall with her husband Ellis and their family during the 19th century. The Markendales were prosperous local butchers and farmers who leased the historic hall between 1815 and 1871, becoming one of the most significant families associated with the building’s later history.

Painted when Mary was in her early 60s, the portrait depicts her seated in the hall’s famous Oriel Window, dressed in a black gown with a lace bonnet and wearing a gold and garnet cross pendant. Art experts have described the painting as a particularly accomplished work, even surpassing the portrait of her husband Ellis.

The painting’s journey back to Ordsall Hall has been a remarkable one. When it was discovered in a farm outbuilding in Cumbria more than a decade ago, the portrait was in poor condition, having suffered years of neglect. Conservators found layers of grime, tears, punctures and areas where the paint had begun to flake away.

Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign and generous donations from supporters of Salford Museums and Galleries, specialist conservators at Lancashire Conservation Studios were able to undertake a full restoration. The work included cleaning away old varnish, repairing tears, stabilising damaged paintwork and applying new protective coatings designed to preserve the artwork for future generations.

The restored portrait has now been reunited with that of Ellis Markendale at Ordsall Hall, allowing visitors to once again see the Victorian couple together in the place they once called home.

Photos: Ordsall Hall