Project Details

Axis completed a prestigious heritage refurbishment project to reinstate and preserve the features of the Great Hall at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Great Hall is a Grade I* listed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century and still serves as a working dining hall for the Chelsea Pensioners.

Our relationship with the Royal Hospital began in 2012 when we carried out internal and external decoration projects here, one of London’s most significant historical buildings which was founded by Charles II to provide his soldiers with a home in their retirement. Our craft, care and consideration within that work was rewarded, as we were later entrusted with the refurbishment and restoration project to the Royal Hospital’s Great Hall.

Our Heritage division began by removing, protecting, and storing the Great Hall’s priceless artwork. We then started the redecorations with iron and joinery work, followed by masonry repairs. The team then moved onto marble restoration before electrical rewiring work. We also completed routine painting, as well as more specialist work including French polishing and brass reinstatement with the sensitive cleaning of all fixtures. Our team stripped back, preserved and finished the timber with a new lacquer coating prior to polishing. The timber enhances the room’s grandeur and is featured on panelling, large doors, and dining tables.

Before the project commenced, we undertook extensive research to ensure that proper materials, applications, and craftsmanship could provide a period-appropriate restoration. All of our finishes were approved by English Heritage. Our Resident Liaison Officer kept the Chelsea Pensioners informed at all stages of the heritage restoration project.