Moss UK has completed a major wide-format installation for Blenheim Palace, producing and installing a scale replica of a historic ceiling fresco
Moss UK, a specialist in branded environments, has completed one of its most technically demanding projects to date, with the installation of a replica ceiling fresco in the Great Hall at Blenheim Palace.
The replica was installed to cover conservation work of the iconic original ceiling fresco inside the palace. First painted in 1716, The Great Hall ceiling painting by Sir James Thornhill shows the first Duke of Marlborough kneeling to Britannia following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim (from which the palace takes its name).
A centrepiece of one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes, the historic painting had already suffered from hairline cracks due to structural movement, with recent rainwater damage and mould necessitating its urgent restoration.
To ensure visitors continued to enjoy the artwork while the conservation takes place, Moss was commissioned by Blenheim Palace to print and install a detailed replica of the fresco, to hang underneath a suspended internal scaffold.
Access to the ceiling was only possible through the scaffold platform, which was supported by window apertures.
With no scissor lifts allowed inside the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Moss team faced a unique challenge: how to recreate and install a 210sq m replica banner of the painting on the underside of the scaffold for visitor viewing from mid-air.
Adding to the complexity of the work, the construction could only be done at night, so as not to disrupt visitors during the day.
Mike Hamling, group account director at Moss, explains: “This was one of the most technically challenging large-format printing projects we’ve delivered to date.
“From colour matching the original fresco to printing and coordinating the construction of such a large artwork at height within a heritage site, it was a real team effort across design, print, logistics, and build.”
The artwork was printed on flame-retardant PVC mesh using Moss’s Durst 512R press. Moss produced the piece in multiple wide-format printing sections, which were stitched together to create the replica of the masterpiece.
A four-person team worked over four consecutive nights in May to build the scaffold frame. Then, in a single night, a six-man crew hung the banner, abseiling and working upside down from the suspended platform to complete the installation.
Once the restoration is complete, the printed ceiling will be returned to Moss and recycled through the company’s materials take-back scheme, in order to minimise waste.
Hamling adds: “We’re committed to sustainable practices, even for bespoke, large-format printing projects like this one. It’s a privilege to once again work with a site like Blenheim Palace, and I’m proud that we are helping preserve the visitor experience during such an important restoration.”
The work is part of Moss’ ongoing collaboration with Blenheim Palace, which has included recent work wrapping the palace’s Flagstaff Tower, as well as providing wayfinding and printing for exhibitions and displays.
Carmen Alvarez, collections and conservation manager at Blenheim Palace, says: “Once again we are delighted with the work the team at Moss has delivered for this essential restoration project.
“The complexity of the install made this a real challenge, yet the impact of their work is clear and will ensure visitors to the Great Hall continue to see this iconic masterpiece.”
