Oxford – Gilding Restoration
In 2018, I was privileged to contribute to the extensive restoration of the Hall at Worcester College, Oxford, working alongside heritage conservation specialists. The project aimed to return the space to its original neoclassical elegance, honouring the 18th-century vision of architect James Wyatt, with later Victorian additions by William Burges.
My role focused on the detailed gilding of faces, rosettes, and ornamental elements that encircle the Hall. Using oil gilding techniques, I applied 23.5ct gold leaf to features such as the floral mouldings and decorative faces. These gilded details restore richness and warmth to the Hall’s original plasterwork.
The restored Hall, with its gilded embellishments and historically accurate finishes, was reopened in spring 2018. It now stands as a shining example of thoughtful restoration, where traditional craftsmanship meets academic heritage.
