Stowe House, a Grade I-listed building, is one of the most significant examples of neo-classical architecture in Britain. Initially built for Sir Richard Temple in the 17th century, it has been home to Stowe School since 1922. It is set within a renowned landscape which is owned by the National Trust.
Over several years, Synergy has been working with the Stowe Preservation Trust (SHPT) to help deliver an ambitious, multi-phased programme of internal and external restoration works. This has included conservation works to many of the historical state rooms.
The culmination of the restoration project was the State Dining Room. Its 1750s ceiling, painted by the Venetian artist Francesco Sleter, had suffered significant water damage. The curved coving features delicate floral decorations intertwined with fish, animals, and insects, while the central part of the ceiling and four roundels in the coving show scenes from classical mythology.
The conservation team started by repairing flaking paintwork so that subsequent cleaning did not damage any fragile original materials. A layer of “isolating varnish” was applied before repairs and redecorations so that the original surface and paints were preserved. Any work completed in this programme could be reversed if necessary.
Once the paintings were secure, the whole ceiling was cleaned with a five percent ammonium citrate solution, gently removing years of accumulated grease and dirt. There were substantial areas of damaged paint and many surface cracks that required filling.
The large octagonal paintings and the smaller inset panel were all removed for cleaning, which also enabled a check of the underlying structure.
The team also wanted to be sure that the original octagonal paintings, replaced in 1817 by those we now see, had not survived under the surface.
A complementary, energy-efficient lighting scheme was installed at Cornice level which allows visitors to view the ceiling in its full glory and perhaps imagine themselves among Stowe’s many illustrious dinner guests.
The works were carried out by Messenger BCR and Chroma Conservation. Purcell was the Architect.
