Conservation tours – starting July 2024
Our Sharing Historic Barts restoration project is now underway and is due to complete later in 2025. Works include the repair of the roof, stonework, windows and ironwork on the exterior of the building, as well as the conservation of the two celebrated interiors, the Hogarth Stair and the Great Hall.
As part of our commitment to public access, we’re opening the site to special conservation tours – where visitors will be able to watch the expert team, led Stephen Paine and Sophie Stewart, cleaning, conserving and repairing the Hogarth paintings and the walls and ceiling of the Great Hall.
Join us on our Anatomy of the North Wing tours to explore the hospital’s rich history, and the architecture and people involved in the craftsmanship of the James Gibbs Great Hall. The tour will also take in the conservation work to rescue and rejuvenate the Grade 1 listed building, including the staircase decorated by William Hogarth.
Get an insider’s look at the conservation and restoration work being done to protect this historically significant building.
Flaking paint on the ceiling of the Great Hall
The Pool of Bethesda (facing), and the Good Samaritan (left), painted by William Hogarth in 1736, frame the North Wing staircase to the Great Hall, and will be conserved and restored in situ.
Damage to the ceiling and cornice in the Great Hall
Scaffolding erected for close inspection of the condition of the ceiling