Manchester, UK

Royal Exchange Theatre

Plaster Ceiling Dome Restoration

As a result of a bomb blast nearby, the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester suffered significant structural damage, causing major plasterwork damage throughout the building. Stevensons were appointed to undertake the plasterwork repairs, including the reinstatement of the large central dome.

Where possible, surface level damage was repaired in situ, such as for decorative wall panels and the two smaller domed ceilings. However, due to the proximity of the blast, certain sections required complete replacement, including the large central dome. Reconstructed in our Norwich factory, the impressive plaster dome framework was delivered to the site in 700 sections, which were assembled and installed by Stevensons within the restored theatre.

Our extensive work on the Theatre was recognised with an award, about which the Judges commented that Stevensons of Norwich Ltd had a clear understanding of the best approach to every condition to restore what must have appeared total chaos. The quality of the work appeared faultless.