So far in two months we have;
- Had the mural fully cleaned, conserved and consolidated, it looks so bright and all the flaking layers are now secured.
- Had the ceiling repainted and new acoustic panels fitted in a similar colour to the ceiling.
- Had the acoustic fabric on the walls cleaned in situ
- The cushions re-stuffed and cleaned in our textiles conservator’s studio.
- Had the 1950s curtains taken down, surface cleaned and packed. Replaced these with a jade green velvet which accentuates the mural, the seating area lino and the ceiling. We are in the process of finding homes for the remaining 1950s curtains and have a number of museums and archives lined up as well as private buyers and of course we will keep a piece.
- Had all the wood panelling sanded, it’s now awaiting the final polish.
- Removed the sound baffle which hung over the stage. In its place above the stage will be an additional lighting bar which will create a wash of the stage and hooks for a projection screen which can be pulled down for use when needed.
- Removed the perimeter lights around the wood panelling, these will be replaced with energy efficient LED lights.
- We already replaced the big flood lights in the ceiling with energy efficient LEDs as part of this project
- Refurbished, repaired and repainted the windows
Last week the scaffolding comes down and over the Easter weekend we went into our final phase of floor replacement, lino cleaning and installing a hearing induction loop, it’s a very exciting time!
Still to do is the new air filtration system but we are on the right track with finding a suitable replacement and will have a new system in time for the summer! And we are still choosing our new chairs, but that’s the icing on the cake really.
Below are some photos that show the works in progress and as previously shared, please take the time to watch this film of the mural conservator Jim Dimond talking to the Camden New Journal.
We really hope you like the finished look and will be able to join us for the opening concert with John McCusker on 28 April or the Celebration Ceilidh on 17 June.
Kennedy Hall pre mural refurbishment, January 2016
Kennedy Hall post ceiling decor, March 2016
Kennedy Hall post ceiling decor, March 2016
Floor Acclimatising
Please check back for more updates, including the big unveiling of the completed project!
