Award Winning Conservation Project of the Year
17 May 2019
QODA were honoured to be part of the team that has recently brought The Painted Hall back to life. The project was awarded with the Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year, 2019, by Museums & Heritage Awards.
The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, is one of the most spectacular and important baroque interiors in Europe. Its ceiling and wall decorations were conceived and executed by the British artist Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726.
Research undertaken in the development phase of the project demonstrated that the paintings were deteriorating as a result of chemical instabilities both in the original painting materials and those used during previous treatments, which were all triggered by adverse environmental conditions.
For two years, the team of conservators have been working to stabilise and rejuvenate the paintings, with spectacular results. The colour, clarity and richness of the paintings can now be enjoyed, illuminated by a new state-of-the-art LED system designed by QODA’s expert team. Meanwhile a range of new technologies have been introduced to stabilise the Hall’s environment, reduce energy use, and ensure the long term preservation of the paintings and fabric.
The incorporation of complex mechanical systems into such a sensitive and spectacular space required the utmost care, attention to detail and a collaborative approach by the highly experienced team.