Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 23
historic significance, it was proposed that the existing
balustrade should be replaced with a scholarly reproduction, using the balustrade at Norfolk House as a reference.
To allow for construction of the basement levels, the front
portico and annex have been dismantled stone by stone
and stored off-site ready to be reinstated once the basement areas complete, and the dome above the main stair
has been carefully propped to prevent damage to the
decorative plasterwork during works to replace the rotten
supporting structure.
In contrast, where we would not compromise is in the
proportions of the historically important rooms, says Jokin.
We ensured that we would not alter the proportions or
impact on the decorative elements within those spaces.
This meant that insulation could not be installed to those
external walls. Again, it’s about the balance.
By following this process, decisions were made about what
to restore, retain and replace.
At 94 Piccadilly, the ground and first floors contained the
most significant spaces (including a grand ballroom), with
original and 19th century decorations, so a conservation
approach has been applied to the features on these floors.
When the 3rd Earl of Egremont sold the house, all the
fixtures and fittings, including the original balustrade to
the main stairs were stripped out and taken away, so the
current balustrade is unfortunately an unsympathetic
19th Century replacement. The original architect,
Matthew Brettingham’s design of the 18th-century iron
staircase balustrade was similar to the balustrade he
designed at Norfolk House at 31 St James’s Square, Westminster. Norfolk House was completed in the same year
as 94 Piccadilly and has a very similar stair, so, given the
Moving to 90-93 Piccadilly, the Grade II listed staircase
and façade have been retained, with remaining structures
carefully dismantled around them. The Grade II listed 95
Piccadilly is being retained and restored, with the ground
and first floors containing the most significant rooms with
the most valuable features. There is, rather unusually, an
original 19th century secondary glazing system, which will
be restored. The unlisted properties, which make up the
remainder of the site, have been taken down and replaced
with new build elements which are sympathetic to the
conservation area.
Below, the existing dome above the main stairs
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