Restoration Update
State Library: the ornate plaster ceiling is being stripped back to its original construction and many of the rosettes from the coving have fallen off. The removal of the Library roof has helped identify the weak points in the structure, and this is currently being strengthened. At the beginning of December the new roof trusses, needed to build a new mansard roof to match the one over the State Dining Room, will be lifted into place.
The paler shades indicate the original plaster work. The foreground demonstrates the work gone into peeling away centuries of paint.
Fundraising: this is a continuous task working in conjunction with the World Monuments Fund and the Campaign for Stowe team. The restoration programme envisages that work on the Eastern side of the South Front will be completed in Summer 2010 and then – funds permitting - attention will turn to the Western wing and pavilion. We are working hard to close the funding gap that remains in order the complete Phase 3 of our restoration work.
New additions: we were also very pleased to announce the arrival of eight plaster statues and four fibreglass incense burners in the Marble Saloon, the originals of which stood in the niches up until the Great Sale of 1848. They are a generous gift of the Hall Bequest Trust, set up with an education remit and to encourage the School to understand it’s historic past.
In the meantime, SHPT wishes to express its sincere thanks to everyone whose contributions and support have helped to make the current work possible. We look forward to unveiling the next stage in the magnificent restoration of Stowe over the coming months.