This paper investigates the nature of the adhesive bond in lined paintings with emphasis on how load is transferred and shared between the painting and its lining. A number of lining materials were investigated, using uniaxial and biaxial tensile testing, and ESPI interferometry. In all cases the bond was such that strains were equalized in the painting and the lining. At the low levels of strain, experienced by a typical stretched painting, the woven linings were found to be less stiff than the paintings and hence the painting carried the majority of the load. At higher strains, such as those found at corners and attachment points, the linings were stiffer and carried a higher proportion of the load. The ESPI analysis indicated a transitional region where load transfer is incomplete. This is likely to be of importance when strip linings are considered. -- SCMRE