News items posted during November 2009

Before

Lees Associates’ refurbishment of an imposing Decimus Burton Regency villa on the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park has involved the skilled restoration of a number of original features that are integral to its Grade 1 listed status.

Standing proud over the main entrance, it is hard to miss the majestic Caryatids that adorn the central bay of the house: the tapering pillars of their lower bodies and skirts and the slanted capitals forming the headdresses, suggesting an Egyptian influence.

We are currently working on the full refurbishment of one of these Caryatids, which has suffered extensive damage after many years of water penetration, leaving her with a crumbling face and a body that, if left untreated, is in danger of breaking off at any time. Only after the removal of over 175 years worth of paint was the true extent of the damage revealed.

After

Now, with the help of Cliveden Conservation, the restoration process is under way. This entails the strengthening of internal areas and a clay remodelling of the damaged areas to help restore her to her former beauty. A record cast will be made to illustrate the refurbishment work and act as reference of the repair work for the future.

Lees Associates originally gave her the name Doris but, after the removal of two inches of paint, her true youth and beauty has been revealed once more and she is now known as Dieter, which seems more befitting. Soon Dieter will be restored to her complete former glory, and will then safely continue to greet visitors to the newly refurbished property for we hope another 175 years.