The magnificent Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is recognised as the greatest piece of decorative painting in England and has been described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the UK’. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, it was originally intended as a dining hall for the naval pensioners who lived on the site at the Royal Hospital for Seamen.

Over three years ORNC embarked on an exciting plan to clean and conserve over 40,000 square feet of the magnificent Grade I listed Painted Hall wall and ceiling paintings. This ambitious conservation project restored the vibrancy of Thornhill's paintings and also helped to tell the many stories of this 18th century masterpiece.

During the project there were opportunities for people to become involved in the process of conservation, learn about conservation techniques and work with ORNC to share the stories told by Thornhill within the painting.

Over 80,000 people enjoyed the scaffolding tours to view conservation in action.