Conference venues short-listed for conservation award
Date added: Friday 14th October, 2011
In its 34th year of running, the Trust’s Annual Awards scheme recognises projects which have made a significant contribution to the conservation and improvement of the built or natural environment of Oxford and its green setting. Projects are judged on this criteria and the winners will be announced at an Awards Evening on Thursday 3rd November taking place at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.
The University entered two conservation projects into the ‘building conservation’ category. The first was for redecorating and relighting of the Sheldonian Theatre and the second was for the restoration of the outside of the Examination Schools.
Redecorating and relighting the Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre is one of Oxford’s best landmarks. A Grade I listed building, it was completed in 1669 by Sir Christopher Wren. Today it is used by the University for ceremonial occasions and is available to hire to those who wish to promote recitals of music and other similar functions. Early this year the redecoration work at the Sheldonian Theatre was completed transforming the building back to Wren’s original colour scheme, a scheme which had not been seen since the 1720’s. To compliment the redecoration work, the 1960’s lighting, chandeliers, wall sconces, balcony candelabras and pendant fittings were replaced with discreet uplighters fitted within the window boards to provide uninterrupted views of the central performance area and of the ceiling’s exquisite painting.
Cleaning the exterior of the Examination Schools
The Examination Schools, located on the High Street in Oxford is a Grade II listed building. Built in the 1880’s by architect Sir Thomas Jackson, the building is a venue for University examinations, student lecturing and is also one of the city’s largest conference and events venues. Years of pollution from traffic on the High Street caused the beautiful limestone exterior to be buried under a layer of black soot, hiding one of Oxford’s architectural gems.
A team of over 25 people were involved in cleaning and repairing the main façade, revealing the beautiful carvings which were hidden behind layers of dirt. These include an ornate frieze of leaves and parrot-like birds, and skilfully carved panels illustrating the Board of Examiners at work and an Oxford University degree ceremony.
For more details about the University’s conservation work visit:
