Coventry Scaffolding, a leading London-based scaffolding contractor and Royal Warrant Holder, recently played a pivotal role in supporting restoration efforts at the iconic Hampton Court Palace.
Commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, Coventry Scaffolding designed, supplied, and erected a 10-metre bespoke scaffold, enabling conservation experts to access and restore the Chapel Royal’s intricate 18th-century Baroque interiors for the first time in over 20 years.
The Chapel Royal, a remarkable blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture, boasts over 500 years of history. Among its many treasures is an 18th-century altarpiece installed during renovations led by Sir Christopher Wren and commissioned by Queen Anne.
The intricate scaffold design was crucial to safeguarding the chapel’s delicate interiors while providing close access for conservators, curators, surveyors, and engineers. The structure included large platforms connected by staircases, allowing the restoration team to assess and document the historical details without impacting the architectural integrity.
Perry Hanifan, Director of Coventry Scaffolding, highlighted the unique challenges of working within historically significant environments: “Working on complex heritage buildings is one of our areas of expertise.
Over our 75-year history, we’ve worked on some of the best-known historic buildings and monuments in and around London, so our team knows the care and precision required when erecting scaffolding in sensitive environments.”
The chapel’s status as an active place of worship meant the work schedule had to minimise disruption to services, while public access remained available from the Royal Pew, allowing visitors a unique view of the ongoing conservation work.
Hanifan expressed pride in the project, stating, “It’s incredibly rewarding knowing our work has enabled Historic Royal Palaces to help preserve this building for future generations.”
Founded in 1950, Coventry Scaffolding has become renowned for its work on some of the UK’s most esteemed landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Houses of Parliament.
In 2005, the company became the first scaffolding firm to receive the Royal Warrant, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in preserving the nation’s heritage.
