Restoration is a stairway to mural heaven at Sherborne House
A 17th century Sherborne mural has been restored to its former glory – with the colours now as bright as when it was first painted.
Dorset-born Sir James Thornhill’s 1725 work, which laces the staircase of Sherborne House and depicts a tale of Greek mythology, was finally uncovered last week after seven months of conservation work.
-
After months of painstaking conservation work, the mural at the heart of Sherborne House’s main staircase has now been fully restored, with colour as bright as it was when it was first created in the 17th century
-
Redcliffe Homes’ restoration of Sherborne House is progressing, as last week a sneak peek of the completed mural was revealed
The work is part of plans by Redcliffe Homes to rejuvenate the building.
Joanna Lennon, head of PR at TC Communications, said: “The mural looks absolutely stunning and completely different.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
“Conservator Clare Heard, from IFACS, has done a wonderful job and the work is fascinating.”
The glimpse last week was only time the mural could be seen before the entire stairwell was sealed off again as restoration work on the remainder of the interior and exterior of the house continues.
The mural will now be hidden from view until next year when the work is completed.
Mrs Lennon said the grade one listed mural has been one of the biggest challenges in restoring the house.
She said: “We understand some of the previous restoration work had actually damaged the original colours.
“But the work is intended to last for 150 years.”
Thornhill, an admired artist of the era, was commissioned by Sherborne House owner of the time, Henry Seymour Portman.
It followed Thornhill’s designs at St Paul’s Cathedral, Greenwich Hospital, Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace.
He was 50 when he worked at Sherborne House, and he is now buried in Stalbridge.
Depicting the Calydonian Hunt from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, the mural takes pride of place on the ceiling and works its way down the stairwell with the story.
Once completed, Sherborne House Arts Trust and the Dame Elisabeth Frink archives will continue to be housed in the building.
As part of planning permission requirements, Thornhill’s mural will be open to the public when the entire restoration is complete.
Comments