Banqueting House

Banqueting House, the sole surviving component of the Palace of Whitehall, is a Grade I Listed building of significant historical and architectural importance. Designed by Inigo Jones and completed in 1622, it houses the renowned Rubens ceiling paintings. Over time, the building faced deterioration, including compromised roof coverings, decayed stonework, and the presence of asbestos in the roof void above the Rubens ceiling. The challenge was to undertake essential conservation works to preserve the structure and its artworks, ensuring minimal disruption and safeguarding its historical integrity.

G&T was appointed as Construction Manager to oversee the comprehensive restoration of Banqueting House. The project encompassed the removal, repair, and replacement of roof coverings, metalwork, and flagpoles as well as a full overhaul of the external façade stonework.  Works also included joinery repairs to sash windows, doors, and frames and the meticulous phased removal of asbestos from the roof void directly above the Rubens ceiling. The asbestos removal was conducted under stringent controlled conditions with a full conservator's oversight. An internal scaffold platform within the hall provided the first direct access to the underside of the painted ceiling in several decades, allowing Historic Royal Palaces to carry out detailed recording and photographic documentation of the artwork during the works.

The restoration project successfully preserved Banqueting House's structural and artistic heritage, ensuring its continued use as a historic site and event venue. G&T's expert management facilitated the delicate balance between conservation requirements and construction activities, delivering the project within the stipulated timeframe and budget. The enhanced accessibility to the Rubens ceiling during the works provided invaluable opportunities for documentation and study, contributing to the building's historical record and public engagement.