TWO 400-year-old paintings are once again on display to the public following the successful completion of a intricate restoration project.

The wall paintings, located in Herefordshire Council’s Black and White House Museum, relate to the Book of Genesis and the story involving Joseph and Pharaoh.

It is believed they date to the late 16th century and derive from a series of four woodcuts, on the theme of the Joseph story, included in a book of biblical stories produced by Virgil Solis and first published in Nuremburg in 1562.

The paintings were discovered in 1888 at a house at No. 5 Widemarsh Street in Hereford.

They were removed from their original location and installed in the Black and White House in 1947.

Over the years the paintings have inevitably suffered some deterioration, so conservators Stephen Rickerby and Lisa Shekede spent weeks carefully cleaning and repairing them.

Grant aid was awarded from the Pilgrim Trust to cover the £10,000 cost.

Julia Radburn, museum supervisor, said: “The paintings look wonderful, the transformation has been amazing. The work undertaken by Stephen and Lisa will ensure these two beautiful pieces of art can be enjoyed for many years to come.”

The Black and White House Museum is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and on Sundays from 11.30am to 2.30pm.