In 2016 we were appointed to undertake paint research into the decorative schemes of a number of spaces including the Connaught Hall, Mayor’s Parlour, Minute Room, Museum Store and the First floor, Upper and Lower Ground Floor Corridors and Stairs.

Exposed decoration above doorway to Connaught Hall balcony

The aim of the research was to further the understanding of the significant decorative schemes by Burges to inform re-presentation proposals and to support a Heritage Lottery Fund Stage 1 application.

Photomicrograph of just one of the many paint samples revealing the schemes of decoration applied on timber.

Further exposed stencil decoration to the Connaught Hall.

In addition to sampling and onsite exposure and recording of schemes our team produces digital recreations of how some of the spaces once appeared during Burges’ era further helping to enhance the investigation and enable visualisation of the interiors.

A digital recreation of a section of Connaught Hall informed by paint analysis and onsite exposure of schemes.

Our research was used to support an application to review the listed status of the hall which was subsequently revised up to Grade I Status.