Historic Interiors Group: Redecoration of the Grand Staircase at Buckingham Palace

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.

Richard Ireland

Richard Ireland

Independent Consultant for the Conservation of Historic Plaster and Paint

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Louis Randall

Louis Randall

Head of Operations for the Royal Household

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