Heritage plaster restoration specialist Artisan Plastercraft is celebrating the completion of its double contribution to the Royal Academy of Arts Schools renovation project.
Founded in 1769, the Royal Academy Schools, based in the heart of the Royal Academy of Arts, is a Grade ll* listed building in London’s Piccadilly and is the country’s oldest art school. Our brief was to provide lime plaster restoration to masonry, covering walls and ceilings, including barrel vault ceilings, as well as high-quality decorated finishing through the Artisan Painting & Decorating side of the business. Among the work carried out was the decoration of walls, ceilings, floors, skirting, joinery and woodwork – including window frames and fittings, architraves, dado and balustrades, taking care to preserve several areas of historic interest.
The images below show the RA School’s spaces back in use following the completion of the project, and our decorators at work painting the ceilings and walls prior to completion.
Main contractor Knight Harwood completed the restoration and renewal project designed in collaboration with David Chipperfield Architects and Julian Harrap Architects. It aim to introduce modernised facilities while preserving the historic fabric of the buildings. This includes expanded studio spaces, new technical workshops, a library, and a student canteen.
The scheme also involved restoration of historic studios and the installation of around 150 historic casts and artworks in newly curated displays.