Leighton House Museum make-over by Coniston

Leighton House Museum in London re-opens after GBP1.6 million refurbishment by Coniston who specialise in construction work on buildings of unique historical interest.

For the first time in half a century, previously unseen areas of the building will be accessible to the public as a result of joint work between Coniston, a team of architects and the Museum's owners and funders, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Coniston first began on site in 2007 when extensive repairs were made to the outside of the historic building.

They continued their role inside the museum and assisted in the re-construction of the Arab Hall and Silk Room which were removed from public viewing in the late 1950's.

Their reinstatement sees a return to the original designs for the first time.

"The Museum was completely closed to the public in October 2008 to allow for repairs to the fabric of the house as well as redecoration of the interiors," said Richard Etridge, Contract Manager from Coniston.

"A new environmental control system replaces the 60-year-old central heating system, and the electrical services throughout the house have been completely re-wired".

"Original features, such as fireplaces, staircases and the Arab Hall's spectacular gilded dome, have been painstakingly restored bringing the Museum back to its original appearance from the era when Leighton died in 1896".

Coniston, who work on projects as varied as the National History Museum and the Wallace Collection, faced special construction challenges at Leighton house, from helping to source materials that are long disappeared to ensuring that security was enhanced during the re-instatement of priceless gold leaf in the building.

Back to top