The Brompton Oratory, London


THE MARY MAGDALENE CHAPEL
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This project involved the conservation treatment and reinstatement of decoration to the interior of the Mary Magdeline Chapel of Brompton Oratory. In addition to years of accumulated surface dirt, the decorative surfaces were cracked, flaking, and severely discoloured due to water ingress. The marouflage panels required careful cleaning and consolidation of the painted surface and reaffixing to the plaster substrate. Repairs were also carried out on the decorative plasterwork, replacing missing details using a combination of casting and hand modelling techniques.
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Conservation works were carried out alongside Hare & Humphreys' specialist decorators, who reinstated the damaged painted scheme of surrounding wall faces and decorative friezes and undertook the extensive re-gilding of decorative detail and the dome.


Cleaning to plaster panel and and marouflage insert

During cleaning of marouflage showing amazingly preserved original surface beneath years of accumulated dirt


Area of chapel wall face with marouflage panel before and after conservation

Poor condition of wall faces and artworks before conservation

Wall faces and artworks after conservation and reinstatement of original painted decoration
ADDITIONAL WORKS - Conservation cleaning was also undertaken on the chapels' mosaics, statues, and extensive marble altar.


Before and after conservation cleaning of mosaic

Before and after conservation cleaning of mosaic