In 2020, three long-hidden and very badly damaged, gilded and decorated ceilings – adorned with 19th-century masterpieces by artists such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) – were discovered on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, France.
Over the past several years, a multidisciplinary team of conservators, artists, and gilders have painstakingly restored both the original ceilings and the artworks which they housed. At last, in August 2025, the wonderfully renewed surfaces and their paintings were reunited within the original historic architectural setting, marking the triumphant completion of an extraordinary project.
What follows is the story of that remarkable journey.
One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, Richmond Theatre has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.
This beautiful Grade II-listed venue presents a wide range of quality shows, from pre- and post- West End Drama to record-breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment.
The theatre is also a popular filming location, having been used for film and TV including Finding Neverland, Bugsy Malone, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso.
Early this year it suffered water ingress to the Main Foyer which damaged the ceiling and delicate artistry featuring paintings by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen who completed them during a refurbishment some 34 years ago.
In consequence, Hare & Humphreys were privileged to be commissioned to undertake the sensitive repairs and renovations to return the foyer to its former magnificence in August 2025 as illustrated in the following photographs.
Summer Barbecue and Opening of our Studio for our Team.
Our company’s core team of highly trained professionals combines extensive experience across the arts, decoration and conservation sectors with a shared ethos for delivering excellence.
Our specialist services Our team of highly skilled painters, decorators, gilders and conservators undertake diverse projects, from restoring a listed building to creating bespoke finishes in contemporary interiors. We can provide a range of interior design finishes for example painting, graining, gilding, trompe l’oeil, polished plasters, wallpaper and embossed leather. Come and see us at our newly refurbished studio and showroom where we will help you translate your ideas into reality.
Architectural Paint Research This process determines the original decoration of an element in a room or building and is an important tool determining the colours, paint used and date of each application. Should you need any help on defining your colour scheme or improving your decorative painting techniques, we would be delighted to help.
Our plan for the future 2025 has begun with the appointment of new management with a dynamic vision and mandate to expand opportunities in the conservation & heritage sector as well as generate controlled growth whilst fully respecting and retaining the traditions and ethics of the company. Hare & Humphreys new MD Thomas Wallerand states that “our founding principles of quality, fairness, integrity and a warm customer focussed service will remain implicit in all that we do as we grow our business, and our people without compromising customer satisfaction.”
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