Your comments
This painting divided the critics in 1837. Etty was proud of it - but do you like it?
Take part in our online poll and help us decide how best to preserve artworks like The Sirens and Ulysses for the future.
Here's a selection of comments and questions by visitors to this site and the Salvaged gallery:
An amazing way to interact with art. How refreshing to have the behind the scene arts displayed in this way, backing down the distance between the professionals and the public
Eventually the outcome will be something far from the original masterpiece... a piece of art of many artists, losing its true identity. Maybe it should decay like anything else in life.
Amazing work and wonderful idea. Art is a process, not just a 'finished' work and seeing this restoration gives a new level of understanding and appreciation.
Very interesting... it's a moral painting. Linking sex to death. Relevant to the hysteria concerning AIDS today... seeing the act of retouching brings it back to life.
A question of integrity. Does what is gained through restoration always outweigh what is lost?
Both painting and subject are revoltingly sexist, but we can't re-make history - nor should art need to be politically correct. So, horrible picture, but go for it!
Love how the process is displayed. Makes the gallery a more interactive place. More interactive stuff is great!
Melanie, Canada
Fascinating restoration. Brilliant workmanship.
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
After you finish do you feel bored and never want to see the painting again? Do you see it as a whole art work or just as parts?
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
Brilliant idea! Loved seeing behind the scenes! This museum should be winning prizes….Well done and thanks.
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
I think I'd die of frustration!
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2006
I think the job you guys do is both fascinating and important. I'm sure Etty would be proud.
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
Why is it so important to restore the painting? Because I think that it is then really not the original artists work it is other peoples.
Michaela Gibbs, 2007
Utterly compelling and wonderful to have observed over the months. Congratulations on your skills and integrity with this amazing work of art.
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
I think it is one of the most beautiful, fragile paintings I have ever seen, and this temporary setting with work tools around makes it look like an installation piece.
Ruth Warman, 2007
Fascinating to find out more about how you conserve this artwork. I love the fact that work on-going is in the gallery itself and visible to all. Sometimes (or do I mean always?) the process is as important as the final product.
Visitor to Manchester Art Gallery, 2007
