As a result of Berthon customer Charlie Wallrock’s introduction to Tim Robinson, the 4m Wales Smith and 2.7m Coombs 1950/60’s panoramas were driven to Romsey for fairly significant restoration as a result of varnish degradation along with years of cigarette smoke pollution having been placed above the bar prior to the relatively recent no smoking indoors regulations! Tim carefully removed the unwanted surfaces revealing the original bright oil colours. The large one, painted on three wooden panels and the smaller on hardboard, both needed attention from Berthon Foreman, Curly (Dave Bolwell). Oak frames to match the oak panelling at the club were attached to reinforced backing sheets of plywood to protect the artwork and preserve the pictures for another two to three generations.
Fixing the heavy Wales Smith painting to a 45-degree plasterboard ceiling in the Island Room was hard work with Martin Young and S/W apprentice Theo aiding Curly; the perfect team then moved to the bar to install the smaller less heavy Coombs to an inverted 40-degree cement roof. Both paintings had been hidden away for some years.
“The Wales Smith panorama takes pride of place echoing the river beyond and I particularly like the Coombes’ new position, covering what was a bare white carbuncle of a join between two buildings; other yacht club burgees (adjacent on both sides) provide a perfect colourful match. Dominic, me and Berthon are delighted to have participated in the Club’s centenary, given that great grandfather Harry May’s first five orders for the West Solent One Design were members of the Club back in 1922!” said Brian May
