A MUSEUM is hoping to raise £3,000 to help conserve historic portraits which are more than 90 years old.

As part of the efforts Braintree Musuem will host an exhibition of other portraits which are part of the same collection.

The Crittall Old Iron Portrait collection shows past employees of Crittall Windows which were painted by rising artists of the 1920s.

It will be the first time the paintings have been exhibited together in 90 years.

A spokesman for the museum said: "The collection of portraits were first on display at the newly opened Silver End Village Hall in 1928 and have been brought together by the museum but unfortunately some are now in need of urgent restoration.

"The exhibition opening will launch a fundraising campaign to enable donors to sponsor urgent conservation of two of the paintings.

"The portrait of Mr Strutt, affectionately known as ‘Uncle’, the night watchman and lodge keeper for 31 years has several tears.

"The other portrait of Miss Coope, a telephonist in Crittall’s London Office, is one of only three women from this collection at the Museum and sadly due to serious paint flaking is in too poor condition to display without urgent attention by a professional conservator.

"A photographic copy of the painting will be on display."

It will offer an insight into the workers and managers behind the famous company and marks the 125th anniversary of the opening of their Manor Works factory, in Braintree, in 1894.

Crittall Windows was also responsible for building the village of Silver End in 1926.

The opening event will take place on Saturday, January 26, call the museum on 01376 325266 if you want to help raise the cash.