Restoring the Past: Roman Altar nears completion

A remarkable piece of ancient history is being brought back to life as the restoration of the Roman Altar reaches its final stages. Gaby Nohr, a student of The City & Guilds of London Art School, has been leading the meticulous work to preserve and restore this important artefact. This specialist school is renowned for its heritage conservation expertise and therefore, perfectly positioned to take on the responsibility of this restoration.

A Glimpse into the Past

The Roman Altar, a striking stone structure, was rediscovered by a neighbour of Painshill, Mr Trew. Though its origins remain partially shrouded in mystery, it is believed to have been part of a classical collection curated by Charles Hamilton, the 18th-century creator of Painshill’s landscape garden.

Painshill itself is a living testament to the grand vision of Hamilton, who designed the garden as a series of theatrical scenes inspired by classical antiquity, Gothic fantasy and natural beauty. It is thought that perhaps Hamilton chose the altar as both a romantic tribute to Roman history and as an artistic centrepiece within the park’s extensive grounds.

The Restoration Project

The current restoration project, initiated in 2024, is a collaboration between the Painshill Park Trust and the City & Guilds of London Art School. The project set out to stabilise the altar’s deteriorating structure, clean its weathered surfaces and re-establish its historical integrity using sensitive conservation techniques.

Gaby has undertaken much research and analysis to ensure accuracy and authenticity with the restoration. The process has involved detailed condition surveys, the careful removal of biological growth and the painstaking repair of damaged stonework.

Nearing Completion

The restoration is now entering its final phase. The last structural stabilisations are underway and fine detail work is being completed. The altar, once obscured by age and environmental damage, now stands proud again, ready to reclaim its role as a centrepiece at Painshill.

The Future

The restoration of Painshill’s landscape over the last forty years has been very successful and the Roman Altar is a direct link to Hamilton. You can literally feel his own hands on the object and it makes you aware of the extraordinary care and attention with which he created Painshill. We are looking forward to sharing this with our visitors in the coming months.