THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Hayles and Howe have carried out annual plaster inspections for the Royal Opera House in London since 2013.
We carry out inspections using mobile elevated working platforms( MEWPS) to gain access to the underside of the ceiling which allows a full and detailed hands-on survey of the main celling, balcony fronts, box fronts, balcony ceilings and the proscenium arch to be undertaken. We use Level 3 IRATA trained rope access supervisors to provide safe access to the rear of the ceiling so we can inspect the structure of the main ceiling and its fixing components. All other public areas, such as corridors and bars, are surveyed visually and using a sounding pole. The whole process is designed to provide a full and detailed condition report of all public areas of the theatre, as required by the client. Every year the theatre has a dark period of 2 weeks, which allows us access to carry out this very in-depth survey, along with performing any remedial works that were identified during the previous year’ s inspection.
The venue is Grade I listed and dates back as far 1732. However, due to fire issues the Royal Opera House was refurbished in 1945 and the 1980’ s with many ongoing refurbishments in the last 4 years. The ceiling is a combination of fibrous plaster, Carton-Pierre, and a lath and lime plaster ceiling throughout the building. There are also newly refurbished parts of the building that have newer materials such as suspended tiled ceilings and plasterboard.
In 2021, Hayles and Howe undertook a complete refurbishment of the proscenium arch, including the large frieze which is of major historical importance. The works included adding much needed support to the frieze through the face and on the back, with the addition of new metal ties and plaster wads. The consolidation works are designed so that as little change as possible is made to the original fabric of the freize. As the main contractors, Hayles and Howe were charged with overseeing all elements of the works including all Health and Safety during the project, a difficult scaffold installation and decorative works. These works took place around the usual maintenance period activities of the Opera House, including cleaning and maintenance of equipment being carried out on stage and therefore in close proximity to our works.
Other notable major refurbishment works undertaken by Hayles and Howe include both the Dominion and Aldwych Theatres in London and both the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and Blackpool Empress Ballroom.
www. haylesandhowe. co. uk
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