The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, dubbed the ‘Sistine Chapel of the UK’, was decorated with Baroque murals between 1707 and 1726 by James Thornhill. During their 300-year history, the fragile painted surfaces have suffered with a build up of smoke and dirt, and layers of varnish have fractured under the effects of heat and humidity. A trial clean of the west wall in 2012 showed the transformational effects conservation work could achieve. As the dirt was removed, the colour and vibrancy of Thornhill’s work was restored. The Old Royal Naval College is now conserving the remaining 10,000sq ft of painted surface. Art Fund members raised £22,843 for the restoration of the Painted Hall's Prosceium Arch in September 2016.

This guided tour enables visitors to ascend the 60 feet of scaffolding and get up close to Britain’s largest painted ceiling. After the tour, guests may wish to visit the Queen’s House to view the newly restored Armada Portrait.

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is not suitable for vertigo sufferers and involves climbing 67 metal steps to the observation deck. A lift is available but this can accommodate only one wheelchair user or three standing passengers and will make only one trip at 12pm. Please contact london@artfund.org.uk before booking if you would like to use the lift.

Includes tea or coffee and biscuits on arrival.

Image: Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich © Wikimedia Commons