A specially designed access scaffold and wrap was erected over the summer to allow DBR’s conservation specialist team to access the 13.7m tall Carrara marble monument.
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The project is currently ongoing and involves restoring the arch’s marble masonry, sculptures, metalwork and roof.
DBR is also cleaning the facades, removing dirt and wear and tear, while preserving the physical integrity and distinctive patina of the structure.
A long-standing relationship
DBR has been responsible for the annual cleaning, maintenance, emergency response and graffiti removal works for Marble Arch over the last 17 years.
The relationship started in 2006, when DBR carried out a conservation scheme to repoint the monument’s masonry, reinstating broken and missing details, as well as undertaking the bronzing of the gates and lanterns.
Measures were also installed after acidic pigeon guano had soiled the appearance of the Carrara marble and accelerated its decay.
Marble Arch stood as a formal gateway to Buckingham Palace for 17 years. In 1850 it was relocated to its current location in the north-east entrance of Hyde Park to make space for the growing Buckingham Palace and to provide a grand entrance to the park.
The stone-by-stone removal and reconstruction of the Arch was overseen by architect Thomas Cubitt, who completed the entire process in just three months. Three small rooms were also incorporated into the rebuild and were used as a police station until the late 1960s.
Completion of the works is expected towards the end of 2024.
