A host of beautiful paintings in desperate need of restoration will go on display at Dulwich Picture Gallery from Tuesday.

Desperately Seeking Conservation is part of the Adopt an Old Master scheme started at the Gallery more than 20 years ago with the ongoing aim of preserving its collection.

Individuals and groups are invited to give the Galley the money to conserve a picture and 'adopt' it, with many choosing to do so in memory of a friend of the Gallery.

Particularly important among the paintings in desperate need of help are two large canvasses which have not been on display since World War Two Saint by Cecilia by an unknown Bolognese artist and Venus and Adonis by the workshop of Titan both suffer from canvas rips, areas of raised and loose paint, flaking losses, holes, tears, darkened varnishes, tonal fadings, overpainting and abrasions and are in urgent need of cleaning and relining.

A selection of other works usually kept in storage will also be on show.

Desperately Seeking Conservation, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, October 13 to January 3, except Mondays, 10am to 5pm, £5. or visit dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.