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“ The work to conserve the building ’ s unique architectural features and paintings has also been undertaken by local conservationists and tradespeople , which emphasises the value that heritage brings to the economy , people and wider community .
“ As we emerge from the pandemic , heritage has a vital role to play in our recovery and venues like the Grand Opera
House will be instrumental in helping the sector to thrive once again .”
RoisÍn McDonough , Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland , said : “ The Arts Council is very pleased to see work completed on this important historic building and we very much look forward to the day when it can reopen fully
About Us
Work at the Opera House
Decowell is a specialist practice with 25 years of experience at the highest level , providing a full range of conservation , decorative and consultancy services within historic interiors . Additionally , Decowell specialises in the restoration of easel , wall paintings and frames , undertaken in situ or in our studio by highly skilled practitioners . We have extensive experience across a wide range of projects and clients , including Belfast ’ s iconic Grand Opera House , Historic Royal Palaces , National Trust and Claridges , London , through to private houses and stately homes . Our frame and easel painting restoration service is valued by museums and private clients alike .
Decowell was commissioned in 2019 to undertake complete refurbishment of the decorative surfaces in the historic auditorium of the Grand Opera House . This involved the conservation cleaning , retouching and redecorating of architectural detailing , which is original to the building , part of Frank Matcham ’ s original design of 1895 . The auditorium had not been cleaned since the 1970s , at the same time as Cherith McKinstry ’ s fine ceiling paintings were installed . The paintings were also cleaned and restored .
371 / A Woodstock Road , Belfast BT6 8PU Telephone : 028 9045 2532 / 07976929162 Email : ruth @ decowell . co . uk www . decowell . co . uk
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