The Painted Hall at the Old Naval College in Greenwich was the destination for our Club trip on Thursday 8th February. Detailed directions had been supplied by Paul Kershaw and everyone arrived on the dot, ready to be kitted out in hard hats and soft vests. The ceiling of the Painted Hall is currently undergoing a once in a hundred year restoration to remove years of dirt and damaged varnish from the artwork and conserve it for generations to come. A platform has been erected 60 feet up, six feet below the ceiling and fills the whole space so that once you ascend you don't feel the height. Our initial briefing included a synopsis of the history of the hall, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1698, and originally intended as a dining room for the naval veterans housed at the Royal Hospital.
The artist James Thornhill was relatively unknown at the time and therefore "affordable" and he began his commission to decorate the Hall in 1708. His remit was to include as many references as possible to the importance of the navy in Britain's fortunes. He seized the opportunity to make political statements through references to Greek mythology, Christian allegory and traditional symbolism. King William and Queen Mary are depicted enthroned in heaven with Peace handing an olive branch to William. He in turn hands the red cap of liberty to the kneeling figure of Europe. Below William's foot, clutching a broken sword, is the defeated French King Louis XIV. Zodiac signs, seasons and winds, references to time, battles, ships, wars, navigation and astronomy all appear. Queen Anne and her husband George of Denmark are saluted by Victory. The West wall features the new royal family from Hanover in Germany with George I surrounded by his children and grandchildren while his wife is said to be under the carpet with only her hand vaguely visible! After nineteen years of laborious decoration, painted directly on to the dry plaster and working on what must have been very precarious scaffolding at the time, the Painted Hall was considered far too ornate for the original purpose and was instead to become one of the first tourist attractions of its day.
Eighteen members of our Club stood just six feet below the ceiling and were able to view the artwork very closely, whilst being treated to an excellent presentation by our guide. We witnessed the damage from layers of varnish, dirt, smoke and pollution. We saw restorers at work gently removing the dirt without damaging the delicate paint and heard that some thirty years ago, restoration had involved repainting over damage, inconceivable now. The artwork will be protected for future generations, with varnish that can easily be removed if technology should bring better methods of protection in the future. At the end of the tour and removal of our hard hats and gear, we made our way to the Old Brewery for an excellent lunch before going our separate ways.
This was a real once in a lifetime experience and I long to go back at the end of the two year restoration to see the Painted Ceiling in its full glory. Sincerest thanks to Paul Kershaw for making our visit possible and such a success.
more This was a great opportunity club members to take partners and friends to see the fascinating steam-powered machines that were used to pump the water to supply the needs of Londoners.
more Syon House visit 6 September
more This year to RHS Wisley
more Such a happy bunch of Rotarians
more First Saturday in the month. Caffe Nero 10.30-11.30
more Usually the first Saturday in the month. All are welcome at Caffe Nero--10.30-11.30
more The members visit the "Unbound" Visionary Women collecting Textiles March 2021
more Our annual international Weekend trip was to Marseille in southern France in May 2019
more Black Tie or Lounge Suits at the Antoinette Hotel Kingston, Beaufort Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2TQ on 17th June 2017
more A guided tour of Fulham Palace, historic home of generations of Bishops of London and often described as one of London's hidden gems.
more Our visit to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden included a guided tour highlighting the recent additions and improvements
more Our Annual Putting Evening and Presidential Handover
more Group visit on 19th April 2018 for Club members and their partners to the Dickens Museum followed by lunch in a local watering establishment. Booking for this visit is now closed.
more Guided tour of the Wallace Collection, Manchester Square London on 3rd April 2019
more Our annual visit to a European city of interest
more A tour had been arranged by Gordon Peel for Club Members and guests to visit this wonderful River and Rowing Museum. There were three galleries dedicated to the River Thames, Rowing in general and rowing at the Henley Regatta.
more A race night with a difference! in conjunction with Rotary Club of Twickenham. All funds to go to our Nepal recovery fund. Venue: URC church hall, Twickenham Green
more TuT Rotary members visited the Geffrye Museum in Hoxton
more The highlight of every TuT Rotary year is the garden trip. This year it was to West Dean near Chichester in West Sussex
more Kew Rotary Club held a Jazz evening at the Maids of Honour restaurant opposite Kew Gardens
more Twickenham Rotary Club held a Celebration at Fulwell Golf Club
more On 7 July 2015 a large group of members and friends were guided around the gardens by our resident expert Rtn Charlie Erskine
more On 3 May club members and friends were treated to a guided tour of the Hillier Garden by our own expert Charlie Erskine. Before the tour the head gardener gave us an historical overview.
more Justine Parker who spoke about the Discovery tour had invited members to visit the Gardens
more This year's destination was Munich and 32 club members, families and friends enjoyed a long weekend in this beautiful city
more There are now two cycling groups within the Club, both meeting on a Wednesday morning for a tour and chat
more On Saturday 18 July 2015, a lovely Summer day, a party of 26 members, partners and friends enjoyed an excellent guided tour through Old Isleworth, led by Christine Diwell, of Hounslow Heritage Walks.
more The theme for the international evening this year was Russia. 70 members and friends gathered in St Mary's Church Hall in Teddington for a three course Russian meal.This was followed by a performance by a Russian band.
more From 15 to 18 May 2014 a group of 35 club members, family and friends sent a very enjoyable time sightseeing and relaxing in the fascinating Spanish capital
more On 11 July 2013 club members and friends visited Chiswick House and Gardens. Ken Smith described the architecture of the House and Mike Wilkinson and Charlie Erskine showed us around the gardens.
more Our internatonal trip this year was to the beatiful city of Budapest. 47 club members and friends enjoyed splended weather,accommodation and sightseeing.
more This year's event was a Nepalese evening hosted by Rotarian Binod Amatya and his family.
more Club members and partners joined President Mark and his family for a garden party at the end of his presidency
more A club visit to Cherkley Court on 13 August 2009, when members and guests were expertly guided around the gardens by our resident botanical expert Charlie Erskine
more Our international trip this year was to the busy but intruiging city of Milan, rich in culture and modern business.
more A long week end for club members and friends in the third largest city in France
more Members and friends enjoyed a pantomime-theme Christmas party at Strawberry Hill Golf Club on 15 December 2009.
more The International Evening this year was an 'Italian job' at the Dolce Vita Restaurant in teddington.
more Hungary was the theme this year for the International evening on 17th January when we were pleased to welcome visitors and guests from the Rotary clubs of Feltham and Richmond. The Hungarian meal was followed by dancing from the Hungarian troupe Hunique
back Our annual calendar always includes visits to houses and venues of interest, wonderful garden tours guided by our expert horticulturists, an international evening with food and theme accordingly, and a weekend international trip in a European City.