York Assembly Rooms

Architectural paint research was carried out to uncover the historic decorative schemes of this significant Grade I listed building.

  • The interior

    The interior

  • The exterior

    The exterior

  • Cross section (with UV) through the early stucco plaster

    Cross section (with UV) through the early stucco plaster

  • Cross section from the walls (traces of mid C19 gilding)

    Cross section from the walls (traces of mid C19 gilding)

The grade I listed York Assembly Rooms were constructed in 1730 to a design by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl Burlington, representing an early example of neo-classical architecture. 

We were commissioned by the York Conservation Trust to undertake an architectural paint research exercise to establish the appearance of the interior spaces immediately after construction, and provide an insight into the later decorative schemes. 

Although the building has undergone significant restoration and refurbishment over the years (notably in 1860 by Owen Jones), we were able to establish that the original early 18th-century stucco was presented in stone colours, prior to the introduction of more colourful schemes in the 19th century.