The original decorations had been painted over in the 1970’s and there were only black and white photographs of the original scheme to work from, so our decorators had to carefully strip back the overcoatings to expose the original.

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Sample boards were subsequently prepared that reflected the exposed elements of the original decorations which included granite effect, stippling, stencilling of the frieze and gilded pencil line borders to the wall panelling.

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The client wanted the panelling adjusted to fit in with specific items of furniture and paintings that were to be displayed, which meant our decorative artists had to draw out the panels exactly as per the client’s drawing and also adjust the hand stencilled urn and pearl string effect on the freize.

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As a result of the expertise demonstrated in restoring the Napoleon Room, the client commissioned us to create further trompe l’oiel effects in other areas of the gallery, including creating a marble effect to new statue stands that matched existing real marble stands, and also painting faux panels and dado rails to walls to help set off one of the priceless Wedgewood fireplaces on display.

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Trusted supply chain partner Artist Decorators Ltd were engaged on this project to carry out specialist heritage decoration.

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This project was recognised as the Highly Decorative Painting Contract of the Year in the prestigious national Premier Trophy Awards 2019 run bby the Painting and Decorating Association of Great Britain.