By 2021 the Grand Staircase was in poor condition so a major conservation project began.
The presentation will discuss the condition and chronology of previous decorative schemes, and outline the process of investigations with a summary of findings. Of particular interest to this project was the original scagliola wall finish completed in 1828, that had reportedly failed. I will discuss our investigations into the condition of the building fabric, considerations to the likely cause of cracking and our chosen repair methodology.
The presentation will also discuss the techniques and methodology employed to carry out the works and our conservation approach to regilding plaster and bronze surfaces. Philosophical and practical considerations as to whether to return to an earlier decorative scheme will also be discussed.
Independent Consultant for the Conservation of Historic Plaster and Paint
Independent Consultant for the Conservation of Historic Plaster and Paint
Richard Ireland is an independent consultant for the conservation of historic plaster and paint. He is adviser for Historic England on decorative plasterwork and also advises for bodies including English Heritage, the Royal Household, Historic Royal Palaces, Westminster City Council, Office of Public Works Ireland, National Trust, Historic Scotland and Ecclesiastical organisations. Specialising in plain and decorative plaster, internal and external finishes, and the reinstatement of historic schemes, Richard’s projects typically involve a combination of archaeological investigation, scientific analysis, and contextual historic research. He also teaches and lectures in his subject and is widely published. His projects encompass a diverse spectrum of historically significant buildings, from small farmhouse interiors, to major works such as the British Museum and The Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem. Having worked at the forefront of the ground-breaking restoration of Uppark House in the 1990s, Richard became chairman of the Traditional Paint Forum, received the Honorary Freedom of The Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
Head of Operations for the Royal Household
Louis Randall, MRICS, MSc Conservation of the Historic Environment. As the Head of Operations for the Royal Household, responsible for the team overseeing the operational maintenance and conservation of the built fabric, engineering services and garden landscaping across the occupied Royal Palaces of the London Estate.