Your donations in Robert's memory will contribute towards the purchase of state-of-the-art, digital x-radiography equipment, and the construction of a new, fit-for-purpose x-radiography room at The Courtauld Institute of Art.  

Sir Robert Bruce-Gardner was a celebrated and innovative painting conservator who directed The Courtauld’s department of Conservation & Technology between 1989-1999.  During his Courtauld tenure, he was the first to develop the ideal conditions for x-radiography of paintings - pioneering the use of the method in the UK.  

The Courtauld was the first institution to do radiography of paintings and Sir Robert was able to produce key evidence about the artists’ techniques and the condition of many of The Courtauld Gallery’s most important pictures. His study of Edouard Manet’s famous Bar at the Folies Bergère showed major changes in composition made by the artist. 

Pictures from collections across the UK and around the world also came to The Courtauld for Robert to X-ray. He taught generations of students how to make radiographs and to interpret them.  

In his memory, The Courtauld has established the Sir Robert Bruce-Gardner X-Radiography Fund to honour this important legacy of teaching and research in Conservation and Technology.   

Offline donation messages: 

Isabel Horovitz - £300 - "Thank you Robert for your guidance and friendship always"