Output details

The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford: auditorium and circulation spaces [architectural paint research]

Context:

This research identified the original decorative scheme of the Sheldonian Theatre, the second building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1688. The research revealed the way that he used paint to imitate stone, marble, cedar wood and granite in order to create a prestigious and expensive looking interior from relatively humble materials.

The research resides in the following processes: -

1) Site visits and sampling allows researchers to use their knowledge of historic interiors to select appropriate places from which to take paint samples (report p. 18)

2) Microscopic analysis revealed patterns in the paint stratigraphy allowing individual paints to be identified (main report pp. 23-30)

3) Further analysis was undertaken using FTIR and GC MS (main report pp. 51-62)

4) Primary and secondary historical research allowed researchers to place the chronology of the paint stratigraphy in a historical sequence. (main report p. 32-40)

5) Collation of the paint sample analysis in tabular form to allows analysis of the decorative scheme as a whole. (i.e. main report p. 20-22).

Insights

• Wren employed solid colours to create the impression of materials such as marble and stone: the only recorded example in Wren's work. (Report p.31)

• The extant decorative scheme was a misinterpretation of original scheme (main report p.23, 25)

• A reassessment of the relationship between the Proctor's Roster and the door elements below (main report p. 28) and the finish to the high level bolection panes (Report pp.35-36).

• The identification of seven significant decorative schemes.

Sharing:

The research was commissioned by Oxford University Estates Directorate and shared in a series of reports.

Contribution:

Ian Crick-Smith was principal investigator for historical and architectural research, paint techniques and sampling strategy. He was co-author of the reports and co-researcher for paint stratigraphy and interpretation of research findings.