Borthwick Decorators Wins Prestigious 2023 Historic Project Award

Borthwick Decorators is proud to announce that our team has been awarded the highly commended accolade for Historic Project of the Year 2023 by The Scottish Decorators' Federation. 

This prestigious recognition was earned through our meticulous work on The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, a project led by our master tradesman, Kamil, alongside a dedicated team of our finest painters.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre, a gem in Edinburgh's architectural crown, stands as a testament to the opulent design and acoustic brilliance of late Victorian "picture frame" playhouses. 

Designed by C.J. Phipps and inaugurated in 1883, the theatre showcases an Italian Renaissance style, with seating arranged over four levels, including Stalls and three horseshoe-shaped Balconies, supported by elegant cast iron columns.

Our task focused on the theatre's ceiling, renowned for its circular panelled design and ornamented coves, rising majestically above the audience. The use of patent fibrous plaster not only contributes to the ceiling's stunning appearance but also plays a critical role in the venue's acoustic properties – a vital aspect for a space dedicated to drama and opera. 

At the heart of our restoration work was the preservation of the ceiling above the proscenium arch, featuring a tympanum with a painting of Apollo and the Muses by the French artist Ballard.

This artwork represents the Lyceum Theatre's long-standing commitment to fostering the arts, a tradition that has been alive since its inception.

The challenge of this project lay not only in the technical skills required to restore and preserve the theatre's historic features but also in the need to complete our work quickly and professionally. 

Under Kamil's leadership, our team succeeded in enhancing the beauty and integrity of this historic venue, ensuring that it continues to delight audiences and serve as a cultural beacon in Edinburgh.

At Borthwick Decorators, we are honoured to have played a part in preserving a piece of Edinburgh's rich cultural heritage. This award from The Scottish Decorators' Federation is a testament to our team's commitment to excellence in the field of historic restoration and decoration. 

We look forward to bringing our expertise and passion to many more projects in the future, continuing to preserve the beauty and history of our surroundings for generations to come.

If you're inspired by the meticulous care and expertise demonstrated in our work at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Borthwick Decorators invites you to consider our services for your next historic building project. 

Whether it's theatres, stately homes, castles, or any heritage property, our team possesses the specialised skills and experience to breathe life into your vision, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of your building's unique character and history.