Condition
By the end of the 20th century there was almost no trace left of the room’s original murals and the walls had been covered with numerous coats of paint and textured finishes. A hand tinted photograph from 1929 provided some insight into the room’s original appearance. Paint scrapes eventually showed that most of the colour tints in the photograph weren’t quite accurate.
ICS was initially commissioned to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the room and its painted finishes. The investigation revealed that the wall panels were originally applied in casein paint and the results provided an important foundation for the recent conservation work.
The project was completed in early 2015 in conjunction with heritage consultant Graham Brooks and Associates.
Treatment
- Carefully scraping back the later paint layers on the ceiling and walls, and preparing the surfaces.
- Reconstructing the metallic silver finish on the ceiling.
- Marking up, masking, and gilding all borders.
- Applying gilding to the wall surface.
- Painting the panels to tie the entire decor of the room together.
Before treatment
After treatment
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