We are very fortunate to have been appointed to undertake architectural paint research in a number grade 1 and 2* listed buildings of national importance.  

We have recently completed analysis of the Inigo Jones timber ceiling which supports the famous Ruben’s paintings in the Banqueting house. Through our research the primary scheme, the imitation walnut and gold scheme associated with installation of the Rubens paintings in 1638 were identified, along with subsequent restoration schemes including the repainting of the entire ceiling for Sir John Soane in the nineteenth century and the repainting fo the ceiling in off-white. The image below shows the primary white, 1638 gilding and 19th century gilding. The image directly below is a sample form gilding photographed at 50x magnification with scale bar. The final report can be accessed as a .pdf below.

We have also been busy working at the Tower of London on two fantastic yeoman’s houses dating from the seventeenth century.  We discovered original paneling painted in imitation  of hardwood Twice, plus pieced together information which confirmed the movement of a staircase.