Drapers Hall Commended at the Stone Federation Awards 2020

23 March 2021

The Grade II* Listed Drapers Hall has received a commendation at the 2020 Stone Federation Awards, within the Restore and Restoration category.

Drapers Hall is a multi-phased building dating from the 17th to early 20th Century. A distinguished events venue of which HRH Queen Elizabeth II is a member, the hall is owned by The Drapers’ Company and is now primarily charitable in nature.

This is a wonderful example of a well thought out and planned conservation project under extreme time constraints. Despite the pressures, the requisite time was allocated for proper trials for the removal of polluted surfaces, as well as the filling in of cracks and replacement of irreparable units. The result is a representation of a very fine building, showcasing the exquisite carving of the 19th Century.

— Stone Federation Awards 2020 Judges

As retained Architects for the hall, Purcell has overseen an ambitious programme of alterations and improvements on behalf of The Drapers’ Company, the first of which included the installation of a hidden lift between the outside and ground floor.

The latest phase of our team’s works saw the hall’s internal courtyard cleaned and repaired, restoring damage which incurred during WWII bombing. The two-year programme has breathed new life into the building and has allowed the blossoming programme of commercial events within the livery hall to continue.

With access to the central courtyard restricted, all materials and access equipment had to be brought through the building, requiring a considered package of temporary works and protection to be designed and careful oversight and diligence from the main contractor. Our team inspected, specified and oversaw the building contract. The courtyard is now once again the stunning centrepiece to this exquisite building.

— Jo Deeming, Regional Partner